BREAKING NEWS: Ohio State extends its most recent offer to 2026 QB and hosts in-state Wisconsin safety commitment.

March 22, 2024 emilysportnews-admin Ohio State Buckeyes Football 0

On Wednesday, Dia Bell, a member of the class of 2026 from Florida, drew attention as he finalized plans to visit the Buckeyes. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 195 pounds, Bell, a quarterback from Fort Lauderdale’s American Heritage school, made the journey to Columbus, showcasing his considerable talent and potential as one of the standout quarterbacks in his recruitment cycle.

The primary focus was on whether Bell would receive an offer during his visit, and following his discussions with the coaching staff on Thursday, he indeed left with a coveted offer from Ohio State.

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Adding to an impressive list of suitors including Auburn, Miami, LSU, Penn State, and Texas, among others, Ohio State recognized Bell’s potential, considering his size and skill as a high school sophomore with ample room for growth and development over the next two years.

Bell’s decision to explore Ohio State proved fruitful, with the Buckeyes extending an offer. Despite its recentness, Bell expressed admiration for the program, particularly its reputation for developing quarterbacks, indicating that Ohio State holds a significant place in his considerations moving forward.

Known for its success in recruiting top-tier quarterbacks, Ohio State now has its sights set on Bell as a standout prospect in the class of 2026.

Current Big Ten foe checks in on Ohio State

Ohio State’s primary recruiting strategy typically revolves around keeping top in-state prospects within Ohio for their college careers. While they can’t accommodate every talented player, the Buckeyes often have their pick of the litter from their home state in each recruiting cycle, and it seems that 2025 will follow this trend.

With two of Ohio’s top three players already committed early in the class, Ohio State aims to maintain this momentum by continuing to pursue homegrown talent. One such player drawing attention is Cody Haddad, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound athlete currently committed to Wisconsin since January.

Haddad, a hard-hitting safety from Cleveland St. Ignatius, has recently garnered increased interest from Ohio State’s coaching staff, suggesting that his recruitment may not be entirely settled despite his commitment elsewhere. Given the significance of the safety position in Ohio State’s defensive strategy, Haddad’s skills have caught the Buckeyes’ eye. Their offer, extended just three days after his commitment to Wisconsin, underscores their determination to sway his decision. Securing his visit to campus on Thursday marks a significant step forward, indicating Ohio State’s serious intent to potentially flip his commitment.

Ranked as the 524th player nationally and the 37th best athlete in the country according to the 247Sports Composite, Haddad’s academic performance doesn’t seem to be a major concern for Ohio State. With a robust offer list from over 20 schools and impressive game footage, the Buckeyes are not only interested but appear to be investing considerable effort in persuading him to reconsider his commitment.

While changing a recruit’s mind won’t happen overnight, Ohio State has a track record of success when it comes to securing in-state talent. The hope is that the visit went well, setting the stage for a potential change in commitment.

Visits galore as more names are added to this weekend’s guest list

Keeping track of the influx of top talent converging on Ohio State this weekend has become increasingly challenging. With both Friday and Saturday fully booked with elite players from across the country, here are some of the latest additions to what appears to be one of the most impressive guest lists this spring.

Kicking things off with a notable presence, Zech Fort, a safety prospect from Bradenton, Florida’s IMG Academy, is set to visit the Buckeyes today. Ranked as the 62nd player nationally and the fourth-best safety in his class according to the 247Sports Composite, Fort stands out not only as one of the premier safeties in his recruitment cycle but also as one of the top talents across all positions.

Zech Fort, IMG Academy, Safety

With nearly 30 offers already secured and two full seasons of high school football ahead of him, Fort’s esteemed reputation is evident. It’s no wonder the Buckeyes are excited to host him in Columbus for the weekend. The early momentum in defensive back recruiting for the 2025 class couldn’t have been more promising, and undoubtedly, Coach Walton and his team will aim to maintain that success into the 2026 recruitment cycle.

Adding to the roster of prominent 2026 prospects visiting Ohio State this weekend is Carson Sneed, a highly regarded four-star tight end from Donelson Christian Academy in Nashville, Tennessee. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 230 pounds, Sneed currently holds the 57th spot nationally and is ranked as the third-best tight end in his class according to the 247Sports Composite.

With close to 30 offers already extended to him, Sneed has garnered attention from several prominent programs including Alabama, Auburn, Miami, Michigan, LSU, and Tennessee, among others. Tennessee appears to be the frontrunner in securing his eventual commitment, particularly given his status as an in-state prospect, as indicated by the 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions.

During his visit, Sneed will have the opportunity to interact with position coach Keenan Bailey, known for his impressive recruiting skills. It wouldn’t be surprising if Sneed emerges from his visit with an offer from the Buckeyes, potentially announced as early as Sunday. This is certainly a development worth keeping an eye on.

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