Five-Stars, Rising Stars and Ohio State Commits Shine Bright in Final Summer Skill Camp Showcasing Buckeyes’ Recruiting Dominance

Ohio State’s summer recruiting efforts concluded on a high note as the Buckeyes hosted their final skill camp of the offseason. The event, held on campus at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, brought together some of the nation’s top talent—including current commits, five-star targets, and under-the-radar prospects aiming to earn offers. With coaches and analysts watching every rep, the camp was both a proving ground and a celebration of the program’s elite recruiting standard.

For Ohio State, it was a glimpse into a future that looks as promising as ever. Five-star prospects in the 2025 and 2026 classes came to Columbus not just to compete, but to connect with the coaching staff, bond with committed players, and immerse themselves in the Buckeye culture. It was an atmosphere of brotherhood and intensity, where the stars of tomorrow showed why they have drawn the attention of every blue-blood program in America.

Among the most talked-about performers was 2025 quarterback commit Tavien St. Clair, whose refined mechanics and precision passing were on full display. St. Clair, long considered one of the crown jewels of Ohio State’s class, took on a leadership role during the day, helping organize receivers and showing high-level command in every drill. His arm strength stood out, but so did his poise—a quality the Buckeyes have come to expect from their signal-callers.

Wide receiver talent was in no short supply either. Class of 2026 five-star phenom Chris Henry Jr., son of the late NFL wideout, again reminded onlookers why he’s one of the most coveted pass-catchers in the nation. His size, fluidity, and natural hands drew praise from scouts and coaches alike. Henry has already been trending toward Columbus, and his participation in the camp only solidified the belief that Ohio State remains in pole position.

Lining up alongside him were several other receivers who made the most of their opportunities. Jeremiah Smith, the top-ranked wideout in the 2024 class and current Buckeye freshman, was in attendance but served more as a mentor to younger prospects. His presence only added to the family atmosphere that permeated the event, as did other young alums like Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss, who offered encouragement from the sidelines.

The defensive side of the ball was equally electric. Five-star cornerback Devin Sanchez, an elite 2025 prospect from Texas and current Buckeye commit, put on a clinic in press coverage drills. With elite hips, smooth transitions, and an aggressive mindset, Sanchez continues to justify his lofty rankings and remains one of the foundational pieces of Ohio State’s future secondary.

Another defensive standout was linebacker Tarvos Alford, a top-50 national player from Florida who has drawn heavy interest from Ohio State and several SEC schools. Alford’s sideline-to-sideline speed and physicality in coverage were evident throughout the day, and it’s clear he’s one of the Buckeyes’ top priorities as they look to reload at linebacker.

While the five-stars garnered most of the attention, the camp also served as a spotlight for several uncommitted underclassmen on the rise. One such name was 2027 quarterback Madden Iamaleava, younger brother of Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava. Still in the early stages of his high school career, Madden impressed with a smooth release and advanced footwork, drawing plenty of side conversations from coaching staff members. While it’s early, he looks like a name fans may be hearing a lot more in coming years—and Ohio State is already making an impression.

The defensive line, always a point of pride in Columbus, had its moments too. Several players flashed raw power and burst off the edge, with 2026 lineman Maxwell Roy looking particularly disruptive in one-on-one drills. A fast riser out of New Jersey, Roy has long arms and a quick first step, and Ohio State’s staff is clearly watching his development closely. While no offer came during the camp, the Buckeyes are expected to stay in contact.

Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the day was just how involved Ohio State’s coaching staff remained throughout. Head coach Ryan Day was a constant presence, moving between positional groups and offering feedback. His energy was matched by offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who showed visible enthusiasm working with quarterbacks and receivers. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles took a hands-on approach with the linebackers and secondary, ensuring the program’s high standards were communicated clearly.

For recruits, that level of engagement wasn’t just appreciated—it was impactful. Several campers left the event raving not just about the facilities or the competition, but about how invested the coaching staff seemed in their growth. In an era where NIL and social media dominate the conversation, the face-to-face moments still matter. And the Buckeyes made them count.

Ohio State’s recruiting success has long been a result of that attention to detail. It’s not just about who you recruit—it’s how you recruit them. From hosting camps that feel like mini-combines to nurturing a sense of community among commits and alumni, the Buckeyes continue to build a culture that attracts the best and gets the most out of them once they arrive.

The final skill camp of the summer also helped lock in relationships between commits and targets. Players like Sanchez, St. Clair, and Henry Jr. weren’t just there to perform—they were actively recruiting. Whether it was hyping up a drill, chatting between reps, or posing for pictures afterward, the camaraderie was unmistakable. These are players who want to win together—and who already believe in what the Buckeyes are building.

In total, over 200 campers participated, including athletes from over a dozen states. Some left with new offers. Others left with valuable feedback. All left with a better understanding of what it means to be a Buckeye. For the coaching staff, the evaluations from this camp will serve as the foundation for their next round of offers and decisions. But the groundwork for future classes was clearly laid.

While Ohio State’s 2025 class is already considered among the nation’s best, this final camp offered a glimpse of what’s still to come. With five-stars leading the charge and hungry underclassmen in pursuit, the Buckeyes have no intention of slowing down. The pipeline is not just intact—it’s thriving.

As the day wrapped, one thing was clear: this wasn’t just another summer camp. It was a showcase of elite talent, a recruiting tool, a reunion, and a statement. Ohio State doesn’t just attract great players—they develop leaders, build bonds, and set the standard. And after this final camp, the future looks as bright as ever in Columbus.