It’s undeniably enjoyable to track Ohio State football at the moment. While there might not be a specific reward for “winning the off-season,” one can’t help but feel a sense of pride in the current achievements of the coaching staff. Under Ryan Day’s leadership, there’s been a significant shift towards a more aggressive approach, fulfilling the long-standing desires of fans, particularly in the realm of recruiting.
Thursday was another bustling day on the recruitment trail for the Buckeyes, as they actively pursued prospects by extending numerous offers across the country. The program has already experienced an outstanding month, and the aim is to sustain that positive momentum. Here’s the most recent information on the latest offers Ohio State has extended.
Buckeyes offer 2025 Florida receiver prospect
Unsurprisingly, Ohio State has recently extended an offer to a wide receiver from Florida, a state that consistently produces top-notch talent. The Buckeyes, led by the successful recruiting strategies of Brian Hartline, regularly target and attract high-caliber receivers from the Sunshine State. This approach is well-founded given Florida’s consistent production of exceptional talent, providing a competitive environment for evaluating players in that position. Ohio State has notably excelled in recruiting top Florida wide receivers, with Jeremiah Smith, the nation’s No. 1 player, being the latest addition to this trend.
In the most recent recruitment efforts, Ohio State targeted Donovan Olugbode, a class of 2025 receiver from IMG Academy. Olugbode, a 6-foot-2, 175-pound athlete, is nationally ranked as the 170th player and the 21st-best receiver in his class according to the 247Sports Composite grades. While Olugbode may not be the highest-ranked player Ohio State has recruited from Florida, the significance lies in Brian Hartline’s proven ability to assess talent. Hartline’s evaluations are highly regarded in the industry, making rankings less consequential when the Buckeyes, particularly under his guidance, extend an offer to a player.
Despite Olugbode receiving offers from other prominent schools like Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Notre Dame, Tennessee, and USC, among others, Ohio State’s entry into the recruitment scene is noteworthy. The Hartline advantage is a key factor, and the successful recruitment of current Buckeye Carnell Tate from IMG Academy adds weight to Ohio State’s appeal. Olugbode has the opportunity to witness a real-life example of a player from his prep school making an early impact in Columbus. While Ohio State has the luxury of choosing from the best in this recruiting cycle, Olugbode is a rising prospect worth keeping an eye on.
Ohio State University offered @brianhartline @ChadSimmons_ @dzoloty @adamgorney @CraigHaubert @SWiltfong247 pic.twitter.com/cZVpfzPxOg
— Donovan Olugbode (@DonovannO25) January 25, 2024
North Carolina defensive lineman earns OSU offer
Continuing with the latest in offer news, Ohio State turned its attention to the trenches by extending an offer to Isaiah Campbell, a talent hailing from North Carolina. Reflecting the strategic approach seen with the IMG Academy situation, the coaching staff carefully selects players for offers, considering not only their skill and capabilities but also their geographical location.
Isaiah Campbell, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 260 pounds, currently holds the rank of the 72nd player nationally and the fifth-best defensive lineman in the 2025 class according to the 247Sports Composite grades. Despite already having over 30 offers from various schools, Ohio State, despite entering the scene relatively late, remains a formidable contender, given the esteemed reputation of coach Larry Johnson. While early signs point to Clemson and North Carolina as frontrunners for his commitment, the Buckeyes, known for their recruiting prowess, will actively strive to be a compelling option in Campbell’s consideration.
The presence of Tyleik Williams on the roster for his final year provides a valuable opportunity for the coaching staff to showcase what a player from the same position and home state has achieved in Columbus. These factors, combined with Ohio State’s track record, position the Buckeyes as legitimate contenders for Campbell’s commitment.
Despite already securing Zahir Mathis for the 2025 cycle, Ohio State aims for a substantial defensive line recruitment, anticipating significant turnover in that position after the current season. A goal of securing up to five talented players is in sight, and Isaiah Campbell emerges as a key prospect to monitor. While the final decision on the remaining open staff position is yet to be determined, it is expected that, if it influences the defensive line, the choice will be someone adept at recruiting impact players like Isaiah.
Blessed to receive an offer from The Ohio State University!! @OhioStateFB @OhioStAthletics @ChadSimmons_ @BrianDohn247 @RivalsFriedman @wco70mack #AGTG #SOULJAH pic.twitter.com/WTY9xsoWo1
— Isaiah Campbell (@cioc1126) January 25, 2024
Quick Hits
During their visit to Florida, Ohio State’s agenda extended beyond new offers as they also made a significant trip to meet Jamie Ffrench, a five-star receiver. Ranked as the No. 12 player nationally and the third-best receiver according to the 247Sports Composite grades, the timing of this visit appears strategic, and the decision to send both Ryan Day and Brian Hartline signals careful planning.
Having decommitted from Alabama just two weeks prior, Jamie Ffrench is taking his time to consider his next destination. Ohio State aims to capitalize on this opportunity, hoping to gather momentum and secure his commitment. The Buckeyes have demonstrated their ability to attract former Alabama players earlier in the offseason, and they are optimistic about repeating this success with Jamie. Brian Hartline, known for his dedicated and effective recruitment efforts, is expected to go all-in, a strategy that has often yielded positive results. The hope is that, in the case of Jamie Ffrench in 2025, Hartline’s approach will once again prove successful for Ohio State.
Go Buckeyes !🌰 @ryandaytime @brianhartline pic.twitter.com/saYU1F2kj1
— Jaime Ffrench Jr. (@jaimeffrenchjr) January 25, 2024
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