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LGHL I-80 Football Show: 2023 Season Preview, New Year’s Six Tier, Part Two

I-80 Football Show: 2023 Season Preview, New Year’s Six Tier, Part Two
JordanW330 via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

Illinois v Northwestern

Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Dante and Jordan talk Big Ten West with Illinois and Wisconsin to wrap up the New Year’s Six Tier

Welcome to a new episode of Land-Grant Holy Land’s I-80 Football Show. On this show, we talk about all things Big Ten football and basketball from New Jersey to California. With four new teams joining the conference in 2024, we’ll integrate them in the show, getting a head start on the 18-team conference.

After every week of action, we will catch you up on all the conference’s games and look ahead at the matchups, storylines, and players you should be paying attention to next week. My name is Jordan Williams, and I am joined by my co-host Dante Morgan.

Listen to the episode and subscribe:


Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio

Football season is right around the corner, it’s time to do some TLC with your significant other before you spend every weekend glued to the couch watching football! Don’t forget to take your significant other on dates — you have Wednesday and Friday nights. Plus, the guys talk fall events and why you should have your wedding in April.

Wisconsin fired Paul Chryst and enters 2023 with Luke Fickell at the helm. Fickell, one of the most successful coaches at the Group of Five level, brings with him Mike Tressel as defensive coordinator and hired Phil Longo from North Carolina to be his offensive coordinator.

Despite the changes, Dante and Jordan expect Wisconsin to be good instantly. They have one of the more talented rosters in the West and an easy schedule. Bolstered by Braelon Allen and SMU transfer Tanner Mordecai, the Badgers could finally have an explosive offense to go with their stout defense. Fickell could take this team to the Big Ten championship in his first year.

Speaking of Wisconsin, former Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema is entering his third season at Illinois and has a deep team despite losing some of their star players. Illinois must replace running back Chase Brown and first-round pick Devon Witherspoon, but they should still have one of the best defenses in the nation with Jer’Zhan Newton and Keith Randolph Jr. on the defensive line.

Despite losing their two best players, they still have good running backs, wide receiver Isaiah Williams and brought in Luke Altmyer to lead the offense. They’ll need Luke to be a better quarterback than what they’ve had previously, but with their defense, they should once again compete for the West division title.

In their pitstops, Jordan hates what going on with the Yankees and believes it’s time to fire Brian Cashman and Aaron Boone. Dante attended his first Major League Baseball game and watched the Guardians get thumped by the Cincinnati Reds.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------————

Follow the show on YouTube: @JordanW330 and @LandGrantPods

Connect with us on Twitter:
Jordan: @JordanW330
Dante: @DanteM10216

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LGHL Looking back at the 2020 Ohio State recruiting class: The Starters

Looking back at the 2020 Ohio State recruiting class: The Starters
Chip.Minnich via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch

Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Some players have already departed for the NFL, but many quality players are on the roster for the 2023 season.

Every day from now until the start of the season, Land-Grant Holy Land is highlighting Ohio State football players that you should be watching this season. Check out all of our ”Player to Watch” articles to get ready for the season opener against Indiana.


Part one of this series focused on players who were a part of the 2020 Ohio State recruiting class who have since departed the program. Part two focused upon players who signed with Ohio State in 2020, and have been able to contribute over the past few seasons. This final edition is going to identify those players who signed with Ohio State in 2020, and have since emerged as starters.

As I did in parts one and two of the series, I will address each player in order of when that particular player verbally committed to the Buckeyes.

  1. Paris Johnson - Offensive Tackle

Talk about a recruitment that had Ohio State fans on pins and needles. Johnson verbally committed to Ohio State when Urban Meyer was the head coach, then understandably wanted to reassess his options after Ryan Day was named Ohio State’s head coach.

Fortunately for Ohio State, Ryan Day was able to convince Paris Johnson to stick with his original verbal commitment, and Johnson signed on the dotted line at Cincinnati Princeton High School to become a Buckeye. Named a consensus All-American by the Walter Camp Foundation, Football Writers Association of America, and American Football Coaches Association, Johnson graduated in three years with his degree in Journalism.

Johnson declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, and was selected in the first round by the Arizona Cardinals as the 6th player overall.

2. Luke Wypler - Center

It is difficult not to pine for Luke Wypler to be on this year’s team, as Wypler declared for the 2023 NFL Draft with two years of eligibility remaining. Signed out of St. Joseph Regional in New Jersey, Wypler emerged as the starting center in 2021 after redshirting in 2020, and helped to anchor an offensive line that was arguably the nation’s most dynamic offenses for the past two years.

In the 2023 NFL Draft, Wypler was picked in the sixth round by the Cleveland Browns as the 190th overall selection.

3. Jaxon Smith-Njigba - Wide Receiver

If Ohio State fans are going to be wondering about what kind of impact Wypler might have had on this year’s team, Ohio State fans only need to look back to the 2022 season to know what the absence of Jaxon Smith-Njigba had on that year’s team.

Coming off the 2021 season that saw Smith-Njigba catch 95 passes for 1,606 yards, including a spectacular 15 receptions for 347 yards and three touchdowns in the 2022 Rose Bowl, Ohio State fans were naturally excited about what kind of performance Smith-Njigba might have for the 2022 season.

Sadly, Ohio State fans were left to ponder what might have been, as “JSN” sustained a nagging hamstring injury in the 2022 season opener versus Notre Dame that essentially ended his career as a Buckeye. Fortunately, Smith-Njigba was able to rehab his injury throughout the offseason, and impressed the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks to pick him in the first round as the 20th selection overall.

4. Julian Fleming - Wide Receiver

Considered by recruiting analysts to be the best high school wide receiver in the nation when Ohio State signed him in 2020 out of Southern Columbia in Catawissa, Pennsylvania, Fleming has had an up and down career for the Buckeyes. Fleming played sparingly during the shortened 2020 season, and battled injuries that saw him catch 12 passes for 86 yards and 1 touchdown in 2021. In 2022, Fleming had a solid year that saw him catch 34 passes for 533 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Fleming has two years of eligibility remaining, and it will bear watching to see what decision he makes after the 2023 season.

5. Ty Hamilton - Defensive Line

Signed out of Pickerington Central High School, Hamilton is the younger brother of former Ohio State defensive lineman DaVon Hamilton. Hamilton emerged as a starter along the interior of Ohio State’s defensive line the last five games of the 2022 season, and will be projected to start for the Buckeyes in the 2023 season.

Hamilton will have two years of eligibility remaining after the 2023 season.

6. Cody Simon - Linebacker

Signed out of St. Peter’s Prep in New Jersey, Simon played in six games on special teams during the 2020 season, then started 10 games during the 2021 season. Injuries impacted the latter portion of Simon’s 2021 season, which opened the door for Tommy Eichenberg to emerge and claim the starting middle linebacker position.

While not expected to start in 2023, Simon will have opportunities to contribute this upcoming season in the linebacker rotation, and will have eligibility remaining for the 2024 season.

7. Josh Fryar - Offensive Tackle

Fryar has emerged as a probable starter for one of the vacant offensive tackle positions. Signed out of Beech Grove, Indiana, Fryar has been a valuable utility player along the offensive line over the past two seasons. Many had believed Fryar would be the starter at left tackle, but recent news coming out of fall camp has Fryar as the starter at the right tackle position. No matter which side of the line, Fryar started last year for Ohio State versus Indiana, and will be a starter for the Buckeyes in 2023.

After the 2023 season, Fryar will have two years of eligibility remaining.

8. Lathan Ransom - Safety

Ransom has emerged as one of the leaders of the Ohio State secondary over the past two seasons. Signed out of Salpointe Catholic in Tucson, Arizona, Ransom emerged as a starter during the latter portion of the 2021 season. Coming off a gruesome injury in the 2022 Rose Bowl, Ransom wound up starting nine games in the 2022 season, ranked third on the team with 74 tackles, and was a semi-finalist for the Thorpe Award. Ransom was also an effective punt blocker, blocking two punts in 2022 (Indiana, at Maryland).

Ransom will have a year of eligibility remaining after the 2023 season.

9. Miyan Williams - Running Back

Williams was originally verbally committed to Iowa State, but Ohio State was able to get in on him late in the recruiting process, and Williams became a Buckeye instead of a Cyclone. Signed out of Cincinnati Winton Woods, Williams is a tough back between the tackles for the Buckeyes, yet capable of breaking long runs, as he demonstrated versus Rutgers in 2022. It is because of these considerable talents that I labeled Miyan Williams as a “Player To Watch”.

While Williams will have eligibility remaining after the 2023 season, it is considered likely that Williams will declare for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Miyan Williams had himself a day against Rutgers. 189 rushing yards and 5 TDs! pic.twitter.com/XwufvzNZmr

— CleBuckeye (@CleBuckeye23) October 2, 2022
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10. C.J. Stroud - Quarterback

The last player to sign during the early recruiting signing period out of Rancho Cucamonga in California, Stroud became one of the best quarterbacks in Ohio State football history in only two years of starting. Stroud was second in the nation in passing efficiency (186.6) in 2021, and first (177.7) in the 2022 season. It would take up nearly a page to see all of the records set by C.J. Stroud during the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

Stroud was a Heisman Trophy finalist both in 2021 and 2022, and declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, where he was picked in the first round by the Houston Texans as the second selection overall.

11. Cameron Martinez - Safety

Technically the last player to sign with Ohio State in February of 2020, Martinez had actually been a verbal commitment to the Buckeyes since the summer of 2019. Martinez reopened his recruitment after Jeff Hafley left Ohio State to become the new head coach at Boston College, and Martinez decided to stick with his Ohio State commitment after meeting with the then-newly hired replacement, Kerry Coombs.

Martinez was a do-it-all offensive player for his high school team in Muskegon, Michigan, and transitioned to defense full time after signing with the Buckeyes. Martinez has started three games for Ohio State, and will be in the rotation for the secondary this upcoming season. Martinez will have two years of eligibility remaining after the 2023 season.


11 players emerged as starters out of 25 players signed, or 44%, so better than the “Rule Of Thirds” when contemplating starters for a given recruiting class. Factor in the number of players on this list who still have eligibility remaining, plus the number of players who are contributors who have eligibility remaining, and it would be fair to say that Ohio State did very well with their 2020 recruiting class.

The upcoming 2023 season will provide these players an opportunity to add to an already impressive legacy.

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LGHL Ohio State women’s basketball face tough test in SEC country, taking on Tennessee in December

Ohio State women’s basketball face tough test in SEC country, taking on Tennessee in December
ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch

Joseph Scheller/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Buckeyes took the first matchup of a home/away series against the Volunteers, but can they repeat?

While the college basketball world sits in wait for a full 23-24 season schedule, a key game for the Ohio State women’s basketball team was announced. On Friday, the Tennessee Volunteers of the SEC revealed its 23-24 non-conference schedule, including a Buckeyes away trip to Knoxville, Tennessee on Dec. 3.

The scarlet and gray and orange of Rocky Top set up a home/away series last season, with Ohio State hosting the first of two games. It was a momentous one for head coach Kevin McGuff and the Buckeyes.

In the first game, last season in Columbus, Ohio, the Schottenstein Center was loud with over 6,400 fans in attendance, stretched across both teams. Ohio State entered as the No. 14 seed, facing the No. 4 seeded Tennessee Volunteers.

On paper, Tennessee was practically an All-Star team featuring starsl ike guard Jordan Horston, center Tamari Key and forward Rickea Jackson. For the first half, Tennessee showed that star power, outscoring Ohio State 41-33.

Then came the third quarter.

Ohio State outscored Tennessee 30-13 in the third quarter, with former Buckeyes guard Taylor Mikesell outscoring the Vols with 15 points alone. McGuff’s side picked up the first of many emphatic wins of the season, defeating the SEC side 87-75.

Following the win, the two sides went in vastly different directions. For Tennessee, a medical scare left Key out for the remainder of the season, the Vols struggled to gel the new team quickly and dropped out of the top 25 polls by the end of November and never returning until the postseason No. 23 ranking.

For the Buckeyes it was a different story. Ohio State went on a historic run to start the season, achieving a No. 2 ranking.

However, both sides ended the season going down similar roads. Ohio State struggled against Big Ten powers in the Iowa Hawkeyes and Indiana Hoosiers, while Tennessee began finding its form.

In each team’s respective conference tournaments, the sides had impressive performances getting to conference title games. Both sides lost but made deep runs in the NCAA tournament. Ohio State and Tennessee were one game away from a 22-23 rematch.

At the Seattle Regional, the Volunteers faced the Virginia Tech Hokies on the same court where the Buckeyes defeated the UConn Huskies. A win against the Hokies would pit the Big Ten and SEC sides against each other but the Hokies defeated the Vols 73-64. Ohio State suffered the same result in the Elite Eight, losing to Virginia Tech 84-74.

Friday’s announcement is the third non-conference formally announced for the Buckeyes. The season begins in Las Vegas on Nov. 6 when Ohio State takes on the soon-to-be Big Ten side: The USC Trojans.

Later in November, the Buckeyes travel to the Bahamas for a pair of games in the Pink Flamingo tournament. On Nov. 20, it’s the East Carolina Pirates. Nov. 22 it’s an OSU against OSU matchup when the Buckeyes face the Oklahoma State Cowgirls.

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LGHL You’re Nuts: Which Big Ten sophomore will have the biggest impact this season?

You’re Nuts: Which Big Ten sophomore will have the biggest impact this season?
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

Ohio State v Purdue

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

The Big Ten lost a few one-and-done’s to the draft this summer, but a strong sophomore class returns, too.

This week for the basketball version of You’re Nuts, Connor and Justin are talking about Big Ten sophomores.

Last week, we debated which Big Ten freshman would make the most impact on their respective teams this season. Connor argued Mackenzie Mgbako of Indiana, and Justin argued DeShawn Harris-Smith of Maryland.

The audience thought it would be someone else, and “Other” won the poll with 43 percent of the vote. Mgbako got 33 percent of the vote, and Harris-Smith got 24 percent of the vote.


Here are the updated standings. With “Other” winning this week, it remains tied.

After 113 weeks:​

Connor- 48
Justin- 48
Other- 13​

(There have been four ties)​


And that leads us to this week’s topic.

Today’s Question: Which Big Ten sophomore will have the biggest impact this season? ​

Connor: Bruce Thornton ​

Ohio State v Purdue
Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images

I racked my brain thinking of the different Big Ten sophomores who could potentially have huge seasons this year, hoping to avoid picking one of the Ohio State sophomores. The fine folks who read our content at Land-Grant Holy Land are no strangers to Buckeye basketball and know the hype that’s accompanied the likes of Roddy Gayle, Felix Okpara, and Bruce Thornton. Because of that, I wanted to pick someone from a different team.

But I just couldn’t.

What Thornton did last season as a true freshman was remarkable. The baseline statistics don’t jump off the page — 10.6 points per game on 45.6% shooting, including 37.5% from three-point range. He averaged 2.6 assists to 1.3 turnovers per game. But to me, the biggest stat is his minutes per game — 30.5. That was the fourth-most among freshmen in the Big Ten last season, behind Jalen Hood-Schifino, Jett Howard, and Dug McDaniel. The first two of those — JHS and Howard — became first-round NBA draftees this summer.

When you dig a bit deeper, Thornton played at least 35 minutes 14 times last season — an insanely heavy workload for a freshman point guard. Chris Holtmann repeated several times last season that that’s not how he envisioned Thornton’s freshman year going, but there were times when he had no choice — either Thornton’s play mandated he remain on the floor, or the Buckeyes lacked a reliable second option.

He finished the season on a high note, scoring in double digits in 10 of Ohio State’s final 13 games, including a season-high 22 points against Michigan on Feb. 5, when he shot 10-13 from the floor overall and hit two of his three three-pointers.

Thornton did not allow the game to speed him up during his freshman season. He didn’t settle for long jumpers, as only 36.7% of his shots came from downtown last season. In fact, for as efficient as he was shooting, his only taking eight shots per game actually could be viewed as him being timid or passive.

With three of Ohio State’s top five scorers from a season ago now gone and another — Zed Key — recovering from shoulder surgery in the spring, Thornton very well might be option A for the Buckeyes early on this season and even beyond that. Brice Sensabaugh was such a ball-dominant player last season, and losing him will spread out shots to more players than what we saw last season.

Thornton, in his own right, will be one of Ohio State’s best shooters and shot-creators. He’ll be even more important this season, and I think we could see him elevate to All-Big Ten status by the time his sophomore year is complete.

Justin: Braden Smith​

NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament First Round-Purdue Vs Fairleigh Dickinson
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

I would love to take any of the sophomores on the Buckeyes this season, but since Connor has Bruce Thornton, it doesn’t seem fun for me to take Roddy Gayle or Felix Okpara. So, I am going to take the fourth best option.

Purdue is coming into this season with incredibly lofty expectations. With 2022 National Player of the Year Zach Edey returning, in addition to basically the entire lineup that earned them the No. 1 seed last season, the Boilermakers will have a Final Four or bust mindset.

Braden Smith is going to be the second most important player on the team, behind Edey. As the starting point guard with now a full season of hoops under his belt.

Last season, Smith started in all 35 games for Purdue as the point guard, averaging 9.7 points per game, 4.4 assists per game, and 4.2 rebounds per game. He shot 38 percent from three-point range, 48 percent from two-point range, and 87 percent from the free-throw line.

Smith is coming into the same position that Thornton is when it comes to sophomores that played their full freshman season. They are in different situations teamwise, but as players, the similarities are obvious. Edey is important, but if Smith takes the next step as he should, Purdue can make a national title run this season.


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LGHL Buckeyes in the NFL: 2023 Fantasy Football Preview — Garrett Wilson

Buckeyes in the NFL: 2023 Fantasy Football Preview — Garrett Wilson
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

usa_today_19958492.0.jpg

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Wilson, the NFL’s reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, has top-5 positional upside playing alongside a future HOF quarterback.

Rookie wide receivers performing well in their inaugural NFL season(s) is not unheard of. Far from it, actually. But in recent years, a select few have absolutely dominated both on the field and in fantasy football lineups. They now find themselves firmly inside the top-10 of players at their position.


Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings finished the 2020 season with 88 receptions for 1,400 yards and seven TDs, good for 6th in PPR points (WR position only). And in 2021, Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals quickly became the alpha of an already-established receiving core, putting up totals of 81/1,455/13 (5th in PPR). These players are just a few of the recent examples of what a talented wideout can do, at an early NFL age, when dropped into the right situation.

The New York Jets did not have one of those situations in 2022. Sure, the defense and coaching were much improved over previous years, but that’s about it. Because the offense in the Big Apple (technically NJ) was a big dumpster fire. Rookie running back Breece Hall was an early bright spot, but he only started two games before tearing his ACL in October. Quarterback play was abysmal, with Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco, and Mike White all completing less than 60% of their passes. And the team’s No. 2 and No. 3 receivers combined for less than 1,000 yards. Far from ideal.

However, from the smoldering green ashes, a scarlet and gray phoenix did rise... Ok, that was a bit dramatic, but work with me here. With Hall sidelined, another Jets rookie came on strong, especially during the second half of the season. And now that player is a burgeoning star. His name? Garrett Wilson.

this guy right here ⬇️
@GarrettWilson_V | #DevelopedHere https://t.co/acExlna8u2

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) July 11, 2023
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This former Ohio State Buckeye was a bright spot in the otherwise dark, dingy, disgusting NYJ offense (5.5 receptions, 78.9 yards per game after Hall’s injury). And Wilson was rewarded for his stellar play with NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. He showed great versatility for the Jets, and often battled opposing secondaries without much help. Which is something that should have placated his (few) detractors.

Prior to entering the NFL, Wilson spent much of his early Ohio State career in the slot. He then moved outside for most of the 2021 season. No matter where the Buckeyes put him, he excelled as a playmaker. The speed, the hands, the ability to make plays after the catch — all facets of his game were dialed in, and continued to improve over the course of three seasons in Columbus. But certain things, over which Wilson had no control, were still held against him. Namely his size (or lack thereof) and the fact that he was constantly and consistently surrounded by other playmakers.

In my humble opinion, Wilson put any and all concerns to rest in 2022. He consistently created separation and came down with contested catches, often as the singular focus of opposing defenses. Footwork and route running are always a work(s) in progress, even for veteran wideouts, so Wilson is far from a finished product, but he showed very few holes in his game as a rookie.

Rookie WRs to be targeted 25%+ of the time and put up 1100+ receiving yards

Odell Beckham
GARRETT WILSON

That's the whole list

And Beckham has three Top 7 WR finishes

— Alex Caruso (@AlexCaruso) July 7, 2023
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Versatility will be essential for Wilson moving forward, as New York re-tooled and brought on several new (offensive) pieces during the offseason. The biggest new name in town is obviously Aaron Rodgers, but the Jets also added WRs Mecole Hardman, Allen Lazard, and Randall Cobb. The latter two were favorites of Rodgers in Green Bay and will likely cut into some of Wilson’s target share.

Speaking specifically of Rodgers though, his mere presence should boost the value, production, and star power of Wilson, both in real life and fantasy football. And that is why I am all over the former Buckeye early in drafts. He has already proven capable of putting up 80+ receptions and 1,100 yards, and that was as a rookie in a putrid offense! With Rodgers (a no-doubt Hall of Famer) throwing him the ball, I could absolutely see Wilson flirting with 100/1,500 in 2023-24.

That being said, 100 catches is not nothin’, right? So draft Wilson with at least some caution. Because Lazard and Cobb will absorb plenty of targets. Same for Hardman, who has proven to be one of the fastest players in the NFL if nothing else. And the Jets will try to alleviate at least some of the pressure on 39-year old Rodgers by feeding a healthy Hall. There will be plenty of mouths to feed for Gang Green, which is not something you could have said with a straight face last year.

But I am still all-in on Wilson. His current ADP in or around the top-20 does not scare me off one bit. I may even target him earlier, in the mid-to-late teens. I would encourage others to do so as well, because I believe that Wilson has top-5 positional upside. And if you don’t want to buy what I am selling, just check out what a certain future HOF QB had to say.

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LGHL Buckeyes make cut for top 2025 tight-end, send best wishes as in-state prospects start season

Buckeyes make cut for top 2025 tight-end, send best wishes as in-state prospects start season
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

11727608__1_.0.jpg


Ohio State makes the shortlist for 2025 tight-end target, Emaree Winston.

2025 tight-end target down to six​


When it comes to Ohio State’s offensive scheme under Ryan Day, the tight end position probably doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves. Wanting to run the ball effectively, the Buckeyes use a tight end to help anchor the trenches in nearly every formation and many times even deploy two tight ends to really up the offensive attack.

Additionally, the position plays an important role in the passing game even if it’s sometimes under-utilized.

Regardless, the tight-end spot plays an important role in the OSU offense, and therefore recruiting that position in every cycle is a serious need. Fortunately, Ohio State has done a stellar job under first-year position coach Keenan Bailey as he’s been able to land two commitments from Damarion Witten and Max LeBlanc in the 2024 class. Looking ahead, Bailey will likely try to bring in another two at his spot for 2025.

With multiple offers already extended, yesterday the Buckeyes took another step in the right direction with one 2025 target as Emaree Winston released an update on his recruitment. A 6-foot-2, 235-pound athlete, Winston took to his Twitter account to announce he was down to just six schools. With nearly 40 offers to his name, the update shows how seriously he is moving through the process toward a decision.

Making the cut for Winston is USC, UCF, Tennessee, North Carolina, Cincinnati, and Ohio State. The No. 207 player nationally, Winston is the seventh-best tight end in the country per the 247Sports Composite grades, but in the 247Sports rankings alone, he’s nearly a top 100 player (ranked No. 103). Though stars and rankings aren’t everything to Ohio State’s coaches, this is still a player the staff would love to have and would be another big-time tight end get. A Calhoun, Ga. native, the Buckeyes are hoping to pull a talented TE from Georgia for the second time in three cycles following 2023’s Jelani Thurman.

Certainly, there’s still work to be done in this recruitment, but currently, the Buckeyes do own both of the 247Sports crystal ball predictions. If all goes to plan and this is a recruitment that is locked up early, the tight-end recruiting efforts for 2025 will be off to a roaring start.

Let’s get it final 6 who has the best fan base instagram E_wins85 @CoachZachHanson @LincolnRiley @CoachGusMalzahn @CoachB_Blackmon @CoachAlexMathis @CoachKee @CoachBinckes @AlecAbeln @davidweeks34 @coachjoshheupel @CoachFKitchens @CoachMackBrown @CoachSattUC @coach_stepp pic.twitter.com/P4OB5IvTiB

— Emaree Winston (@e_wins2025) August 17, 2023
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Quick Hits:​


With high school football in Ohio now officially underway, Ohio State’s staff and creative team are doing an incredible job of making prospects feel like a priority even if their attention has now switched to their own seasons. Yesterday, multiple recruiting graphics were sent out wishing players the best as their prep seasons began.

One example, in-state 2025 athlete Amari Valerio-Hudson shared via Twitter that the Buckeyes were wishing him luck. An unranked player right now, the 5-foot-11, 160-pound receiver does currently hold one offer from Ball State. Over the course of these next two seasons though, look for Amari to be a player that works tirelessly for his offer list to grow. Either way, the Buckeyes are paying attention, even if they have yet to offer.

Ohio State love before game 1 ❤️ @etwill21 @ryandaytime @Barnett_OSU #gobucks pic.twitter.com/IQfCV0xS0B

— Amari Valerio-Hudson (@imjustamari) August 17, 2023
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