Stephen Means and Andrew Gillis Break Down Ohio State Football Recruiting: Key Targets, Trends, and Future Prospects
Ohio State football recruiting is a year-round conversation, and few cover it with as much insight as Stephen Means and Andrew Gillis. The duo, known for their deep analysis on *Buckeye Talk* and other platforms, regularly dissects the latest commitments, decommitments, and emerging trends shaping the future of the program. With Ryan Day and his staff consistently pursuing elite talent, the Buckeyes remain a powerhouse in college football recruiting. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of their discussions, highlighting Ohio State’s biggest targets, strategic shifts, and what lies ahead for the program.
Since taking over as head coach, Ryan Day has emphasized recruiting at an elite level, ensuring Ohio State remains in the same tier as Alabama, Georgia, and other perennial contenders. The Buckeyes prioritize a mix of high-profile national recruits and regional standouts, particularly from Ohio’s fertile recruiting grounds. Means and Gillis often highlight how Ohio State’s ability to develop NFL talent—especially at wide receiver, defensive line, and quarterback—gives them a significant edge in recruiting battles.
One key aspect they discuss is Ohio State’s aggressive approach to the transfer portal. While the Buckeyes still focus heavily on high school recruiting, they’ve become more active in pursuing experienced players who can contribute immediately. This strategy has paid off with additions like quarterback Justin Fields (via transfer from Georgia) and running back Trey Sermon (Oklahoma), both of whom played crucial roles in recent seasons.
For 2026, the focus is already heating up, with names like quarterback Jared Curtis (Nashville, TN) and offensive lineman Maxwell Riley (Avon, OH) drawing early interest. The Buckeyes’ ability to secure early commitments from elite players sets the tone for future classes.
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals have transformed college football recruiting, and Ohio State is at the forefront. Means and Gillis often discuss how the Buckeyes’ strong NIL collective, *The Foundation*, helps attract top talent. Ohio State’s brand power, combined with lucrative endorsement opportunities in Columbus, makes it a desirable destination for recruits looking to maximize their earning potential while competing for championships.
However, they also note the challenges NIL brings. With more programs offering big-money deals, retaining committed players has become harder. Ohio State has seen decommitments in recent cycles, forcing the staff to stay vigilant in maintaining relationships even after a player pledges.
The duo also notes that Ohio State’s success at wide receiver (Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Marvin Harrison Jr.) makes it a dream destination for elite pass-catchers, giving them a recruiting advantage at the position.
While Ohio State recruits nationally, securing the best talent in the Midwest remains critical. Means and Gillis frequently analyze recruiting battles with Michigan, Penn State, and Notre Dame, particularly for Ohio-based prospects. The Buckeyes’ ability to keep top in-state players home—like five-star 2024 linebacker Garrett Stover—is a recurring theme in their discussions.
Michigan’s recent success has made the rivalry even more intense on the recruiting trail. Ohio State’s response—locking down key targets early and poaching talent from rival territories—will be crucial in maintaining their edge.
Ohio State’s assistant coaches play a massive role in recruiting, and Means and Gillis often highlight their impact. Wide receivers coach Brian Hartline is frequently praised for his ability to develop and attract elite talent, while defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has helped boost defensive recruiting with his aggressive scheme.
The departure of key recruiters (such as former defensive line coach Larry Johnson’s eventual retirement) could pose challenges, but Ohio State’s infrastructure ensures a smooth transition when changes occur.
The biggest question Means and Gillis explore is whether Ohio State can sustain its recruiting success amid increasing competition. Georgia, Alabama, and now Oregon (with Nike’s NIL resources) are pushing hard for the same elite prospects. However, Ohio State’s combination of on-field success, NFL development, and NIL opportunities keeps them in the conversation for nearly every top recruit.
As the 2025 cycle heats up and 2026 recruiting begins, Stephen Means and Andrew Gillis will continue providing in-depth analysis on commitments, trends, and behind-the-scenes developments. For Buckeyes fans, their insights offer a clear picture of where the program is headed—and why Ohio State remains a recruiting powerhouse.
Ohio State football recruiting is a complex, ever-evolving landscape, but analysts like Stephen Means and Andrew Gillis help fans navigate it with expert breakdowns. From tracking top targets to examining the impact of NIL, their coverage provides a comprehensive look at how the Buckeyes build their roster. As long as Ryan Day and his staff continue prioritizing elite talent acquisition, Ohio State will remain a national title contender for years to come.
