Ohio State’s Recruiting Drama Heats Up as Top Targets Make Their Final Decisions.
As National Signing Day continues, Ohio State is navigating a mix of highs and potential heartbreaks, with key recruits making their decisions. While the Buckeyes have already secured commitments from 23 players, the outcome of two remaining targets could still sway the final shape of their 2025 class.
TJ Alford: The Last Commit Standing.
The most pressing news revolves around four-star linebacker TJ Alford, the last remaining recruit whose decision could change Ohio State’s trajectory. Alford, who has been committed to the Buckeyes since March 30, is set to make his announcement today during a high school ceremony in his hometown of Vero Beach, Florida. While Ohio State has enjoyed his commitment for nearly a year, Miami has been making a hard push to flip him, with reports from Chad Simmons and Steve Wiltfong of On3Sports indicating the Hurricanes’ growing confidence. Ohio State fans will be watching with bated breath to see if Alford remains loyal or if the allure of the Hurricanes proves too strong.
For those hoping to catch the action live, a link to the stream of Alford’s announcement is available, promising to provide an inside look at one of the most anticipated decisions of the day.
Jahkeem Stewart’s Unexpected Shift to USC.
The recruiting rollercoaster continued earlier today when five-star defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart made his decision to commit to USC. Stewart’s choice was a significant one for the Buckeyes, as he had been a top target for Ohio State. The 2026 prospect had originally planned an official visit to Columbus for the Ohio State-Michigan game but canceled, signaling a shift away from the Buckeyes. His reclassification to the 2025 class added further intrigue to his recruitment, but ultimately, USC managed to secure his commitment, thwarting Ohio State’s chances of landing the highly coveted defensive lineman.
Stewart’s commitment to USC adds to the Trojans’ growing recruiting success and is another sign that the Pac-12 program is making big strides in the competitive recruiting landscape.
Northeast Ohio’s Strong Talent Pipeline.
While Ohio State’s in-state recruiting efforts have been fruitful, the Buckeyes are not the only team attracting top talent from the Northeast Ohio region. Ohio State has eight signees from the state, with four coming from Northeast Ohio. However, many other Division I programs are securing commitments from local talent, and Matt Goul compiled a list of where the top prospects from the area are heading to continue their football careers. This list serves as a reminder of the depth of talent in Ohio, particularly in the northeast corner of the state, and the intense recruiting battles that take place within the region.
Ohio State’s Big Day Continues with Phillip Bell’s Player Comparison.
Amid all the drama surrounding top-tier recruits, Ohio State’s commitment list is also seeing excitement from its own signees. Phillip Bell, one of the four wide receivers in the 2025 recruiting class, received a glowing player comparison during the Signing Day press conference. While details of the comparison were not fully revealed, the buzz suggests that Bell is highly regarded by the coaching staff and could contribute immediately in the Buckeyes’ high-powered offense. With Bell joining an already stacked wide receiver group, Ohio State fans are eager to see how the 2025 class will help maintain the team’s national championship aspirations.
What’s Next for Ohio State?
As of now, Ohio State has 23 players signed out of their 25-man class, but all eyes are still on linebacker TJ Alford, who will sign his National Letter of Intent later today. Additionally, defensive tackle Jarquez Carter is scheduled for his ceremony on Thursday, offering another potential addition to the class. The 2025 recruiting class is almost complete, but the final few moves could either make it a resounding success or leave Buckeye fans wondering what could have been. The drama of National Signing Day is far from over, and Ohio State fans are holding their breath as the final pieces fall into place.
