Four-Star Running Back Cancels Upcoming Official Visit With Ohio State Football Team, Signaling Shift in Recruitment Plans
The Ohio State Buckeyes have suffered a blow in their 2025 recruiting efforts as a highly coveted four-star running back has officially canceled his upcoming visit to Columbus. Once considered a strong contender in the recruitment of the elite back, Ohio State is now left to reassess its options as the talented playmaker shifts focus to other programs.
The decision to call off the visit came as a surprise to many, especially considering the momentum Ohio State seemed to have built in recent months. The running back, whose name has circulated frequently among national recruiting insiders, had reportedly shown considerable interest in Ryan Day’s program. He had included the Buckeyes in his top five schools earlier this spring, and there was growing speculation that an official visit might cement Ohio State’s place as a frontrunner. But that narrative has now changed drastically.
Sources close to the situation suggest the decision was less about a negative impression of Ohio State and more about a growing comfort level with other programs. Schools in the Southeastern Conference and the Big 12 have reportedly made strong late pushes, and the running back is believed to be aligning his official visit schedule more closely with the programs that have been in more frequent communication recently. These developments reflect the ever-shifting nature of high-level recruiting, where relationships, fit, and timing can often override early expectations or geographical convenience.
Ohio State, which has long been a powerhouse in recruiting elite running back talent, now finds itself in a more precarious position with its 2025 backfield plans. While the Buckeyes still have several top targets remaining on their board, missing out on a visit from a four-star caliber recruit is undeniably a setback. Especially when one considers how essential the visit experience is for Ohio State’s recruiting success — whether it’s the chance to showcase the facilities, allow prospects to bond with future teammates, or build face-to-face rapport with the coaching staff — removing that opportunity puts the Buckeyes at a clear disadvantage.
It’s also worth noting the broader context of Ohio State’s current recruiting cycle. The program has already secured commitments from several high-profile prospects, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, but the offensive skill positions — including running back — remain a work in progress. The cancellation of this visit brings additional urgency to the staff’s pursuit of other top-tier rushers. One source close to the team mentioned that the Buckeyes are now expected to intensify their push for two other four-star backs who are still uncommitted, and may also revisit interest in a few underrated prospects currently flying under the radar.
Recruiting insiders have pointed out that this canceled visit is not necessarily indicative of a broader issue within the Ohio State program. Instead, it reflects the increasingly competitive nature of national recruiting, especially at the running back position. With NIL opportunities, coaching stability, and offensive scheme all factoring heavily into the decision-making process for elite players, it’s not uncommon for top recruits to pivot away from one program toward another, even late in the cycle.
That said, there are some concerns that losing out on this visit could ripple through the rest of the Buckeyes’ recruiting strategy. Other recruits pay close attention to who is visiting where, and commitments or withdrawals often shape their own timelines and interests. If the perception grows that Ohio State is struggling to close with offensive skill talent, that could impact how remaining targets — including quarterbacks and wide receivers — view the trajectory of the class.
For the running back in question, the choice to eliminate Ohio State from his travel plans appears to be the result of narrowing focus on programs he feels more connected to at this time. Whether that’s due to relationships with assistant coaches, preferred offensive schemes, or off-the-field factors such as proximity to family and NIL opportunities, the decision underscores the level of calculation that goes into each step of a high-level recruitment.
As for Ohio State, the coaching staff must now adjust its messaging to other targets while continuing to build on the strengths that have made the Buckeyes a top recruiting destination year after year. Despite this setback, Ohio State remains firmly in the mix for several other high-profile backs, and the chance to host those players on campus later this summer will be pivotal. With multiple big weekends on the horizon, the Buckeyes have a chance to regain some momentum — but they’ll need to close strong to avoid missing out entirely on an elite running back in this cycle.
One potential silver lining in this situation is the opportunity it gives the Buckeyes to refocus their energy and resources. Rather than chasing a player whose interest appears to be waning, the coaching staff can devote more attention to recruits who are showing genuine excitement about joining the Ohio State program. This recalibration could, in the long term, result in a stronger overall class fit, even if it lacks the flash of a headline-grabbing commitment.
Moreover, Ohio State fans and insiders alike are no strangers to the highs and lows of recruiting. In many instances, prospects who initially waver or look elsewhere sometimes circle back around late in the process. Should circumstances change — a coaching staff shake-up at another school, an impressive in-season performance by the Buckeyes, or an unexpected decommitment elsewhere — it’s entirely possible that the running back could reconsider his options. Recruiting is fluid by nature, and this story may not be finished just yet.
That said, the program can’t afford to sit back and hope for a change of heart. The staff will be expected to press forward aggressively in the coming weeks, not only to secure another top-tier back but also to communicate confidence and momentum to the rest of the recruiting class. Maintaining that perception of stability and strength is critical, especially in today’s college football landscape, where social media and NIL deals play such a prominent role in shaping narratives.
For Ohio State, the loss of a visit opportunity is disappointing — but not fatal. The program remains one of the premier destinations in the country for elite talent, and its tradition of producing NFL-caliber running backs speaks for itself. From Ezekiel Elliott to J.K. Dobbins to Trey Sermon, the Buckeyes have consistently developed top-tier runners under a variety of offensive schemes. That legacy still carries weight, even if a single recruit chooses to look elsewhere for now.
Ultimately, the canceled visit serves as a reminder of how quickly things can change in the world of college football recruiting. Momentum can shift in a matter of days, and relationships built over months can be overshadowed by sudden developments or shifting priorities. The key for Ohio State will be to stay the course — to continue building meaningful connections with other top prospects, to highlight the program’s consistency and vision, and to deliver on the field this fall.
A strong showing in the 2025 season could be the difference-maker not only for remaining undecided recruits but also for those who may have moved on too quickly. Winning has always been one of the most persuasive recruiting tools in college football, and the Buckeyes have the talent and schedule to make a national statement. If they do, players — even those who passed on visiting — might start looking at Ohio State through a new lens.
For now, though, Ryan Day and his staff will need to regroup, recalibrate, and reengage. There’s still plenty of time left in the recruiting cycle, but every opportunity matters — especially when it comes to securing the kind of game-breaking talent that can carry a championship-caliber offense. The canceled visit may sting today, but how the Buckeyes respond could shape their fortunes for years to come.
