BUCKEYES TARGET NEXT GREAT ONE: Ohio State Makes Strong Early Move for Peter Pierre — Rising Star WR from Jeremiah Smith’s High School Pipeline
Ohio State has made a name for itself as one of college football’s premier programs when it comes to producing elite wide receivers. From legends like Cris Carter and Terry Glenn to modern-day NFL stars like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Marvin Harrison Jr., the Buckeyes have developed a longstanding reputation as “Wide Receiver U.” That trend doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon, especially with standout freshmen and high-profile commits filling the pipeline. Now, the Buckeyes are setting their sights on the next potential great one: Peter Pierre, a rising star out of Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Hollywood, Florida—the very same high school that produced current Ohio State phenom Jeremiah Smith.
Pierre, still early in his high school career, is already garnering national attention for his combination of size, speed, and instincts. Despite being just a sophomore, he’s playing well beyond his years and dominating competition in one of the toughest high school football regions in the country. Standing at 6-foot-2 with explosive acceleration and precise route-running, Pierre fits the mold of the modern wide receiver Ohio State has come to covet. What makes this storyline even more compelling is the strong connection between Pierre and Jeremiah Smith, widely considered one of the best wide receiver prospects to ever commit to the Buckeyes. Their shared lineage at Chaminade-Madonna isn’t just a coincidence—it’s becoming a recruiting pipeline.
Ohio State wide receivers coach Brian Hartline has turned the position group into the crown jewel of the program, consistently landing five-star prospects and turning them into NFL-ready talents. His eye for talent and player development reputation precede him, and prospects like Pierre have taken notice. Early reports suggest that Ohio State has already made a strong impression on Pierre through unofficial contact and early recruiting buzz. While Pierre is not yet eligible for official visits or formalized recruiting efforts under NCAA rules, the groundwork being laid could prove significant down the road. His relationship with Hartline, the Buckeye brand, and the possibility of following in Jeremiah Smith’s footsteps may very well be the recipe for another big-time commitment.
Recruiting in today’s college football landscape is no longer just about offering a scholarship or making a phone call. It’s about developing trust, building personal relationships, and showing a clear path from high school star to Sunday standout. That’s precisely what Ohio State is doing with Peter Pierre. From social media engagements to invites for summer visits and game-day experiences, the Buckeyes are making sure Pierre knows he’s a priority. And with the presence of Jeremiah Smith already in Columbus—who has reportedly remained in contact with his former teammate—Ohio State may have an inside track on one of the most coveted wide receiver prospects in future classes.
What separates Pierre from other rising talents isn’t just his physical gifts but his mental approach. Coaches and scouts alike have praised his football IQ, maturity, and commitment to the game. He studies film like a veteran, asks the right questions in meetings, and shows a level of focus rare for his age. These qualities, when paired with his athleticism, make him a high-upside player that programs like Ohio State are eager to land early. Hartline has proven adept at identifying such players before their recruitment explodes, and locking them in early before the rest of the country comes calling.
Chaminade-Madonna has rapidly become a hotbed for top-tier talent, and Pierre represents the next wave. The school has sent players to elite programs across the country, but the connection with Ohio State is particularly strong. The success stories of Jeremiah Smith and others who have made the jump from South Florida to Columbus are starting to resonate with younger players. For Pierre, the thought of wearing the scarlet and gray is not just appealing—it’s aspirational. Seeing Smith already competing for a role at one of the most elite wide receiver rooms in the country adds further legitimacy to the pipeline and paints a clear picture for what Pierre’s future could look like.
Ohio State isn’t the only program eyeing Pierre, of course. Given his talent and pedigree, offers from SEC and ACC powerhouses are sure to come, and the recruiting battle for his commitment will likely be fierce. Still, early traction can matter immensely in the world of recruiting. The Buckeyes are betting that their combination of early interest, positional legacy, elite development, and peer influence can make a difference when the time comes. And it appears they’re doing everything right to position themselves at the forefront of that race.
Another crucial element in the recruiting process is family and support networks. From all indications, Pierre’s family values both academics and athletics, and Ohio State’s balanced approach to both could be a major selling point. The university’s commitment to player development on and off the field has been a cornerstone of its recruiting philosophy. Players like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Chris Olave didn’t just leave Columbus as stars—they left as complete young men prepared for the NFL and beyond. For families like Pierre’s, those stories matter. They want assurance that their sons will be coached, mentored, and cared for, and Ohio State offers a proven track record in that regard.
Another advantage the Buckeyes have is their visibility. With constant appearances in the College Football Playoff, nationally televised games, and a strong media presence, Ohio State gives young athletes a stage unlike any other. Pierre, like many young prospects, dreams of playing on the biggest stage. Few programs offer the combination of exposure, competition, and tradition that Ohio State does, and that matters when recruits weigh their options. Being able to learn from and compete with the very best prepares players for the next level—and that’s exactly what Pierre wants.
There’s also the impact of peer recruiting, something Ohio State has leaned on heavily in recent years. As a younger player, Pierre looks up to older athletes like Jeremiah Smith, who have navigated the recruiting process successfully and are now thriving at the next level. Smith’s word carries weight, especially for someone from the same high school and similar background. If Smith continues to have a positive experience at Ohio State—and early signs suggest that’s the case—his endorsement could be one of the most valuable recruiting tools the Buckeyes have.
The recruitment of Pierre is still in its early stages, but all signs point to Ohio State being in excellent position. Hartline’s influence cannot be overstated; he’s become one of the most respected and effective recruiters in college football. His authenticity, relatability, and track record of getting players to the NFL have created a culture where top-tier wide receivers want to be coached by him. If Pierre continues to develop as expected and stays on his current trajectory, he could be the next in a long line of greats to emerge from that culture.
While there is a long way to go before Pierre signs a national letter of intent, the foundation is being laid now. And in recruiting, foundation matters. It’s the early trust, the first meaningful conversations, and the initial connections that can sometimes make the difference when decision time arrives. Ohio State is playing the long game with Pierre, investing in the relationship early, showing him that they believe in his potential, and connecting the dots between his current path and a future filled with opportunity.
In the ever-evolving arms race of college football recruiting, winning early battles is often the key to winning the war. And while Pierre’s name may not yet be plastered across every recruiting board in the country, those inside the industry know exactly who he is—and more importantly, what he could become. The Buckeyes are doing everything they can to ensure that when Pierre does make that decision, he sees Ohio State not just as one of many options, but as the obvious one.
If things continue trending in this direction, it wouldn’t be surprising to one day see Peter Pierre lighting up the field at Ohio Stadium, donning the same scarlet and gray that his predecessor from Chaminade-Madonna made famous. The stars seem to be aligning, the foundation is being set, and the Buckeyes are once again doing what they do best—recruiting, developing, and preparing the next generation of greatness at wide receiver. Peter Pierre could be the next in line.
