Ohio State Focused on One Quarterback Target as Buckeyes Strategically Shape the Future of Their Elite Signal-Caller Room

Ohio State Focused on One Quarterback Target as Buckeyes Strategically Shape the Future of Their Elite Signal-Caller Room

Ohio State football has always been synonymous with powerhouse recruiting, particularly at the quarterback position. Year after year, the Buckeyes churn out elite talents who go on to thrive both at the collegiate and professional levels. From Dwayne Haskins to Justin Fields and now with the emergence of young talent like Devin Brown and Julian Sayin, the quarterback pipeline in Columbus has rarely faced a drought. However, as the 2026 recruiting cycle heats up, Ohio State finds itself in a relatively rare position — with just one quarterback target remaining on its board.

This isn’t by accident. In fact, it’s a strategic move by the Buckeyes’ coaching staff, led by head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who have opted for surgical precision in their recruitment of signal-callers rather than casting a wide net. Their approach emphasizes early identification, strong relationship-building, and unwavering pursuit of the perfect scheme fit. The target of that focus? Five-star prospect Jared Dunn, a quarterback from Texas who has captured the attention of nearly every blue-blood program in the country — but who sits at the top of Ohio State’s list.

Dunn is the kind of player who checks all the boxes. At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, he has the frame of a prototypical pocket passer but possesses the athleticism to escape pressure and make plays on the run. His arm strength, poise, football IQ, and leadership have made him not only a top-rated quarterback nationally but also one of the most sought-after players regardless of position. Still, despite interest from the likes of Alabama, Georgia, USC, and Oregon, Ohio State has positioned itself as a serious contender — perhaps even the favorite — thanks to the early groundwork laid by the coaching staff.

That groundwork began nearly a year ago, when quarterbacks coach Corey Dennis made an initial visit to Dunn’s high school during the spring evaluation period. What began as standard interest quickly grew into something much more intense. Dennis, along with Day and Kelly, invited Dunn to visit Columbus last fall for a game against Penn State, where he saw the Horseshoe packed with over 100,000 passionate fans and witnessed Ohio State’s offense in full force.

It was during that visit that Dunn reportedly told his inner circle that he could “see himself leading this team one day.” That sentiment was echoed by his father, who has been heavily involved in the recruiting process and has spoken highly of the program’s culture, developmental track record, and NFL pipeline — especially when it comes to quarterbacks.

Still, the path to securing Dunn’s commitment won’t be without competition. Georgia has hosted him multiple times and has a strong connection with his high school coach, who previously worked on staff at Georgia Tech. Alabama, too, has made a strong impression with its facilities, coaching pedigree, and tradition. Oregon’s up-tempo offense and West Coast lifestyle have intrigued Dunn, while USC’s NIL opportunities and proximity to Hollywood add another layer to his decision-making process.

But for Ohio State, the key lies in continuity and clarity. Unlike other schools juggling multiple quarterback targets or still trying to sort out their depth charts, the Buckeyes have made it clear: Dunn is their guy. And that kind of focused attention resonates with top-tier players who value commitment and trust in the recruiting process.

In an era of transfer portals and NIL volatility, having a program invest this much time and energy into one quarterback speaks volumes. Dunn isn’t just a name on a board — he’s the name. Ohio State’s willingness to go all-in on him suggests they believe he has the tools not just to play in Columbus, but to thrive, lead, and elevate the program to championship levels once again.

This singular focus also has ripple effects throughout the program. Current quarterbacks take notice when a new player is brought in — especially one as highly ranked as Dunn. With Julian Sayin already in the fold and expected to push for playing time over the next couple of years, the addition of a player like Dunn would create a competitive yet talented quarterback room, something Day has always emphasized as essential to sustained success.

Recruits at other positions, particularly wide receivers and offensive linemen, are also influenced by the identity of a team’s quarterback target. When top-tier pass catchers know they’ll be paired with an elite quarterback, it makes the decision to join a program that much easier. That’s been a consistent theme at Ohio State — landing a quarterback early helps build momentum for the rest of the class, and the staff is banking on Dunn being the catalyst for that domino effect.

At the moment, Dunn hasn’t set a commitment date, but sources close to the situation believe a decision could come before the start of his senior season. That would give whichever program lands him the chance to build its offensive recruiting class around him — something Ohio State is eagerly anticipating.

In the meantime, the Buckeyes continue to roll out the red carpet. Dunn was back on campus in early June for a private workout with Day and Kelly, and by all accounts, the visit was a smashing success. He spent time in meetings breaking down film, walking through play concepts, and even throwing on the field with some of Ohio State’s current receivers. The staff spared no effort in showing him how the Buckeyes do things — and how he fits perfectly into their vision for the future.

Even as other schools continue their pitches, Ohio State’s confidence has only grown. They believe that the combination of offensive tradition, high-level coaching, and player development sets them apart. More than that, they believe in their ability to identify “their guy” early and win him over not with flash, but with fit.

There’s also the Day factor. A former quarterback himself, Ryan Day has an impressive track record when it comes to identifying and developing top-tier talent. His offense is complex yet quarterback-friendly, demanding yet productive. He’s developed players into Heisman finalists and top NFL draft picks, all while maintaining high team success. That’s the kind of mentorship Dunn is looking for, and it gives Ohio State a unique edge in the process.

It also speaks to a broader shift in how Ohio State is approaching the quarterback position. Rather than casting a wide net and hoping to land one or two top guys, they’ve become hyper-selective — a sign of both confidence and stability. This approach minimizes drama, maximizes efficiency, and ultimately leads to stronger bonds with the quarterbacks they do choose to pursue.

If all goes according to plan, Jared Dunn will be the next name etched into the Buckeye legacy. His commitment would not only reaffirm Ohio State’s status as a quarterback factory but also set the tone for the 2026 class as a whole. And in a college football landscape that changes rapidly, stability at the quarterback position is one of the few things that still guarantees long-term success.

The Buckeyes have put their cards on the table. Their pursuit of Jared Dunn is no longer a courtship — it’s a full-on mission. And as the summer unfolds, all eyes will be on the five-star quarterback from Texas to see whether he chooses to write his story in scarlet and gray.

For now, Ohio State remains patient yet persistent. They know they’re not just recruiting an arm — they’re pursuing a leader, a decision-maker, and a player who could very well be the face of their program in a few short years. With one target left on the board, all the focus is on sealing the deal and bringing Jared Dunn to Columbus — a move that could shape the future of Ohio State football for years to come.