Two 5-star football recruits confirm Ohio State’s plans for a weekend visit.

Ohio State’s football program continues to build momentum in the 2025 recruiting cycle with significant developments regarding two of the most highly sought-after recruits. As the Buckeyes aim to fortify their roster and solidify their standing among the nation’s elite teams, the recent news of two 5-star recruits planning visits to Columbus has added an extra layer of excitement to an already buzzworthy recruiting season. Both recruits, each from different regions of the United States, have confirmed their intentions to visit Ohio State over the coming weekend. This visit presents an opportunity for head coach Ryan Day and his staff to further cement the Buckeyes’ appeal and strengthen their relationships with these potential future stars.

The recruits, one an explosive wide receiver and the other a dominant defensive lineman, have caught the attention of top-tier programs nationwide. Their decision to visit Ohio State underscores the growing influence of the Buckeyes’ program in the recruiting world. Let’s dive into the details of these promising prospects, their potential fit with Ohio State, and what their upcoming visits mean for both the recruits and the Buckeyes.

The 5-Star Wide Receiver: A Rising Star on the National Scene

First on the list is the highly-coveted wide receiver, James Mitchell, a 6’3, 190-pound dynamic playmaker from Miami, Florida. Mitchell has become one of the most feared wide receivers in high school football, known for his ability to stretch the field, his exceptional route-running, and his ability to make difficult catches look effortless. As one of the top-ranked wide receivers in the 2025 class, Mitchell has garnered offers from nearly every major program in the country, but Ohio State has remained a strong contender throughout his recruitment.

Why Ohio State?

The Buckeyes have a well-established reputation for producing elite wide receivers under Ryan Day’s offensive system. With players like Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba making their mark in recent years, Ohio State has proven time and again that it can develop NFL-caliber talent at the wide receiver position. Mitchell’s potential to become the next star in a line of elite Buckeye wideouts is undeniable, and he knows that Ohio State’s track record in this area can provide him with the best chance to reach his full potential.

Mitchell has expressed his admiration for Ohio State’s fast-paced, high-scoring offense, which he believes is a perfect fit for his skill set. The opportunity to play in an offense that regularly ranks among the nation’s best is something that Mitchell has highlighted as a key factor in his interest. Additionally, Mitchell has been drawn to the program’s culture, the coaching staff’s commitment to player development, and the winning tradition that Ohio State continues to uphold.

Mitchell’s Weekend Visit: What to Expect

Mitchell’s visit to Ohio State will be an important one, as it is expected to play a pivotal role in his recruitment. He will have the chance to interact with coaches, meet with current players, and get a firsthand look at the team’s facilities. Ohio State will likely make a strong push to showcase its offensive prowess and the potential for Mitchell to become a focal point of the passing game.

Additionally, Mitchell will likely take a deep dive into the Buckeyes’ approach to player development. With his high draft potential, the idea of being coached by Day, who has worked with some of the best wide receivers in recent years, will certainly be a selling point. Mitchell will also likely get an opportunity to tour Ohio State’s state-of-the-art training facilities, which have become some of the best in the nation, particularly in terms of helping athletes enhance their physical conditioning and skill development.

Mitchell’s decision could ultimately come down to the relationships he forms during this visit and the sense of comfort he feels with Ohio State’s program. The Buckeyes will be hoping that his experience this weekend will leave him feeling like Columbus is the place where he can take his game to the next level.

The 5-Star Defensive Lineman: A Force to Be Reckoned With

The second recruit planning to visit Ohio State is Dominic Jones, a 6’4, 290-pound defensive lineman from Detroit, Michigan. Jones is one of the most feared pass rushers in the country, known for his explosive first step, his ability to disrupt the line of scrimmage, and his dominance against both the run and the pass. His blend of size, strength, and agility has earned him recognition as one of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 class, and he is being pursued by nearly every major program in the nation.

Why Ohio State?

Defensive line play has long been a cornerstone of Ohio State football, with the Buckeyes regularly producing elite pass rushers who dominate in the trenches. Jones, who is already a physically imposing figure, would be joining a program that has been successful in developing players like Chase Young, Joey Bosa, and Nick Bosa—all of whom have gone on to become top NFL draft picks. Ohio State’s consistent success in churning out high-level defensive talent has been a key factor in Jones’s interest.

In addition to the program’s success, Jones has expressed a strong appreciation for Ohio State’s commitment to defensive line play and its ability to put players in positions where they can thrive. The Buckeyes’ coaching staff, particularly defensive line coach Larry Johnson, has developed a reputation for working with players of all skill levels to help them reach their full potential. Johnson’s expertise and reputation for developing defensive linemen is a major factor in Jones’s interest in the program.

Jones’s Weekend Visit: What to Expect

Jones’s visit to Ohio State will likely be a focused one, with a strong emphasis on the team’s defensive strategy and how Jones would fit into the Buckeyes’ defensive line rotation. Expect a lot of attention to be given to the physical aspect of the program, with Jones likely to meet with strength and conditioning staff members to learn more about Ohio State’s development program.

In addition to the football side of things, Jones will also be introduced to Ohio State’s winning culture and the team’s tradition of success. The opportunity to play in a program with national championship aspirations is certainly a significant draw, and Ohio State will aim to demonstrate how Jones can help elevate the defense to even greater heights.

Like Mitchell, Jones will also have an opportunity to meet with current players, who will provide insight into what life is like as a Buckeye. Building relationships with the players and getting a sense of how well he could fit in with the team will be key aspects of Jones’s visit.

Impact on Ohio State’s 2025 Recruiting Class

The recruitment of Mitchell and Jones is just the tip of the iceberg for Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class, but their visits could have a significant impact on the class’s trajectory. Both players are ranked among the top overall prospects in the nation, and landing either—or both—of them would be major victories for Ryan Day and his staff.

For Ohio State, these visits are crucial in maintaining momentum as the Buckeyes continue to pursue elite talent. A successful weekend visit could lead to more recruiting success down the line, as other top-tier recruits may view the program’s ability to land such high-profile talents as a sign of Ohio State’s continued excellence. Furthermore, both Mitchell and Jones would be able to make an immediate impact upon arrival, strengthening the Buckeyes’ offense and defense in key areas.

Looking Ahead: What Will the Visits Mean for Ohio State’s Recruiting Landscape?

The visits of Mitchell and Jones are an exciting development for Ohio State, but they are just one piece of a larger puzzle. Ohio State continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for recruits across the country, and these visits could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the program.

If the Buckeyes can successfully secure commitments from Mitchell and Jones, it would solidify Ohio State’s reputation as a national powerhouse with the ability to recruit elite players from all over the country. Furthermore, their arrival could make Ohio State an even more formidable force in the Big Ten and on the national stage.

As the weekend draws near, Ohio State fans will be eagerly awaiting updates from these visits, hoping that the Buckeyes can make a lasting impression on two of the nation’s top recruits. The coming days may just be the beginning of a new chapter in Ohio State’s already impressive recruiting history.