Ohio State Buckeyes Make Crucial Move in Pursuit of Five-Star Playmaker, But Georgia Bulldogs Loom Large as Formidable Threat
The Ohio State Buckeyes have long made a name for themselves in the national recruiting landscape, consistently pulling elite talent from every corner of the country. Their pursuit of five-star prospects, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, has become synonymous with their brand under head coach Ryan Day. That pursuit continued recently when Ohio State took a major step forward in the recruitment of a dynamic five-star offensive weapon, signaling their serious intent. However, while the Buckeyes have gained traction, their path to securing the commitment is far from smooth—largely due to the presence of another recruiting powerhouse: the Georgia Bulldogs.
Ohio State’s recent push with this five-star talent—widely viewed as one of the most explosive and versatile prospects in the 2025 class—has garnered attention. The Buckeyes hosted him on an unofficial visit, and the feedback from that visit was overwhelmingly positive. Multiple sources close to the situation suggest that the coaching staff, facilities, and program culture all left a lasting impression on the player and his family. He was seen interacting closely with wide receivers coach Brian Hartline and head coach Ryan Day, both of whom are central figures in Ohio State’s recruiting machine.
This player—who stars at both wide receiver and running back for his high school team—has a rare blend of speed, vision, and agility. His tape is full of jaw-dropping plays, whether he’s making defenders miss in the open field or blowing by them with acceleration rarely seen at the high school level. Ranked in the top ten nationally, he’s been on the radar of every major college program for more than a year. But it’s now becoming clear that Ohio State is a legitimate contender, having moved into the top three in his recruitment, according to several analysts.
What makes Ohio State such a compelling fit is their track record of developing elite offensive playmakers. Just in recent years, they’ve produced first-round picks like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The Buckeyes’ high-powered offense and willingness to feature freshmen early makes them an appealing destination for a player who expects to make an immediate impact. Additionally, Hartline’s reputation as one of the premier developers of wide receiver talent in the country adds another layer of appeal. The relationships being built between the Buckeyes’ coaching staff and the player’s inner circle appear genuine, and that could pay dividends down the road.
Still, despite the growing optimism in Columbus, the road to a commitment is not without its bumps. Standing in Ohio State’s way is the Georgia Bulldogs—a program that has flexed its muscle in nearly every major recruiting battle in the last three cycles. Kirby Smart and his staff have made the five-star prospect a priority and are leveraging every tool at their disposal to keep Ohio State, and others, at bay. Georgia offers a compelling pitch: championship pedigree, NFL development, and SEC competition. In many ways, they present the most formidable obstacle to Ohio State’s pursuit.
Unlike Ohio State, Georgia has recruited him for multiple positions on both offense and special teams, hinting at a more versatile role in their scheme. The Bulldogs’ pitch centers on using his unique skill set in ways that allow him to be the next hybrid star—a player who can line up in the slot, motion into the backfield, or serve as a return specialist. That kind of flexibility appeals to a player who doesn’t want to be pigeonholed, and it makes Georgia a very attractive destination. What’s more, the Bulldogs have already landed commitments from several high-profile offensive linemen and a top quarterback in the class, which only enhances their offensive outlook.
Sources close to the recruitment suggest that while Ohio State made up serious ground with their recent efforts, Georgia still holds a slight edge due to familiarity and proximity. The player has visited Athens multiple times and maintains a strong relationship with Georgia running backs coach Dell McGee. That longstanding connection cannot be overlooked. Additionally, Georgia’s recent success on the field, including national championships and a steady pipeline to the NFL, serves as a constant reminder of what’s possible within their program.
One aspect that could swing the momentum further in Ohio State’s favor is the official visit process. The Buckeyes are expected to host the five-star weapon in June for a high-profile weekend that will include several other top targets and commits. That visit will be critical, especially if it includes the presence of current Ohio State stars and recent alumni who can speak to the player’s aspirations. If Ohio State can create an atmosphere that both excites and comforts him, they may be able to tip the scales.
Another potential X-factor is NIL. While both programs have been strategic and cautious in their approach to name, image, and likeness discussions, there’s no denying that NIL can play a role in decisions like this. Ohio State’s infrastructure is widely respected in this space, and the program has found ways to support top athletes through established partnerships and marketing opportunities. Georgia, too, has shown it can compete in the NIL space, particularly with in-state stars. This recruitment may come down to which program presents the most compelling overall package—not just financially, but developmentally and culturally.
While fans on both sides eagerly await more signs of movement, it’s worth remembering that the player is in no rush to make a decision. Those close to him say he’s taking a mature and measured approach, focusing on the relationships he builds with coaching staffs, how he’s prioritized in game planning, and how well his family feels about each potential landing spot. He has not publicly announced a commitment timeline, though many anticipate a decision before the start of his senior season.
Ohio State has proven time and again that they can go toe-to-toe with any program in America for elite talent, and this situation is no different. Their persistence, messaging, and offensive vision have placed them in legitimate contention. However, winning this recruitment will require them to overcome not just Georgia’s proximity and relationships, but also its deep-rooted success and appeal. The Buckeyes have climbed the ladder, but the final rungs may be the most difficult to navigate.
For now, the momentum Ohio State has gained should not be dismissed. The staff’s ability to move into a finalist position so quickly shows they know how to adapt, communicate, and appeal to elite talent. The next two months will be telling. If the Buckeyes can deliver a game-changing official visit experience and continue to build a strong bond with the player and his family, they may very well flip the narrative and finish on top.
But until then, Georgia looms large. The Bulldogs are doing everything right and holding the edge—however slight—for now. In the world of recruiting, things can change in an instant. And if Ohio State can make that one final push at the right moment, this battle between blue-bloods could take a dramatic turn. The race is far from over, and the finish line will be one of the most closely watched in the 2025 cycle.
