-
New here? Register here now for access to all the forums, download game torrents, private messages, polls, Sportsbook, etc. Plus, stay connected and follow BP on Instagram @buckeyeplanet and Facebook.
LGHL C.J. Stroud is off to a red-hot start in the NFL, proving doubters wrong and making his case for Rookie of the Year
- News
- 0 Replies
C.J. Stroud is off to a red-hot start in the NFL, proving doubters wrong and making his case for Rookie of the Year
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
The former Buckeye signal caller is experiencing early success in Houston. And it should come as no surprise to those of us who know that ‘ball don’t lie’.
Taken second overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, C.J. Stroud was not celebrated or seen by all – maybe even most – as a homerun pick. Despite attending The Ohio StateUniversity quarterback factory, putting up video game numbers, and twice finishing in the top four of the Heisman voting, there was still (seemingly manufactured) skepticism that his game would translate to the next level. Not only that, but there were also folks who questioned the former Buckeye’s toughness, desire or will to win, and even his intelligence.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24973961/1453549832.jpg)
Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images
Because Stroud appeared to be a reluctant runner in Columbus, was part of a team that lost a few big games, and supposedly scored poorly on some test, certain people were quick to label him ‘this’ or ‘that’. Stroud also had a stigma attached to him; one that comes with being a recent OSU QB. His name was mentioned with the likes of Miller, Barrett, Jones, and unfortunately even Haskins and Fields, as Buckeye signal callers whose talents or attributes did not work in the NFL.
Now, I am not here to defend or make a case for those other legendary QBs, but I could if I wanted to. Let’s just say that Stroud vs. anybody is not an apples-to-apples comparison and move on...
The conversation surrounding Stroud ultimately had little to no effect on his draft status, as he ended up going No. 2 to the Houston Texans, joining a rookie head coach, a bunch of other young guys, and several middling vets. No offense, but the Texans’ roster is simply not one that you would put together in Madden. So that became one more obstacle in the way of Stroud becoming a successful NFL quarterback. Something that is difficult enough without said obstacles, outside noise, internal pressure, etc.
Anyway, I gave you (or jogged your memory about) the backstory to now deliver a real-time update, which is that Stroud is absolutely balling in Houston. And the haters are sick as a result! But this should come as no real surprise to those of us who spent years watching the former Buckeye and also subscribe to Rasheed Wallace’s idiom of ‘ball don’t lie’.
Stroud has not just hit the ground running; he has actually taken the NFL by storm in record-breaking fashion. He is off to arguably the best start ever by a rookie QB, trailing only Cam Newton in total passing yards through four games, while also adding six touchdowns. And he (Stroud) has compiled these impressive stats (1,212 yards, 6 TD) without throwing a single interception, becoming the first player in NFL history to do so over the course of his first four games.
All of this – plus two wins – with a banged up offensive line and essentially no running game to speak of. I mean, seriously. How impressive has this guy been!?
More importantly, Stroud just contributed to Houston’s first victory at home since Dec. 26, 2021. That’s right, this Texans franchise in seemingly perpetual rebuild had not won a home game since the day after Christmas — (nearly) two years ago! Now, on top of notching that long-awaited home dub and having a real chance in the AFC South, Paul Wall’s favorite team has a QB they can and want to build around.
To replace the last guy, who... uhhh... wore out his welcome. Seems like onward and upward in Houston, with a massive upgrade in the leadership, personnel, and vibes department(s).
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24973952/1423222749.jpg)
Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images
Paul Wall, Houston legend and the people’s champ
But again, no surprise to the Stroud Hive. Because C.J. also hit the ground running in Columbus — the same way he has thus far in Houston. Granted, his supporting cast at Ohio State was leaps and bounds better than most of the competition his team faced, but I digress.
Stroud took the reins of the QB position (at OSU) in 2021 and never looked back. He threw for over 8,000 yards and 85 TD in just 25 starts, and the only real ‘weakness’ he showed was a potential aversion to running... A narrative he more or less dispelled during last season’s CFP game against the Georgia Bulldogs.
So when Draft SZN rolled around, and certain analysts/evaluators/pundits/whomever began to poke holes in Stroud’s game, it seemed agenda or hot take-driven. There was little authenticity to their arguments. The kid checked all physical boxes, showed he could command an NFL-style offense, make all the reads, all the throws, and do so with a seemingly good head on his shoulders.
What’s the problem, not tough enough? Wrong. Blew off Peyton Manning? Wrong again. Terrible test taker? Maybe, but who cares! The bottom line is this: C.J. Stroud was the best QB prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. But several ‘professional evaluators’ wanted to sell us on literally anyone else, just so they could get some camera time.
Now Stroud is the betting favorite to win NFL Rookie of the Year. He will continue to battle the likes ofJerry Rice Puka Nacua (Los Angeles Rams), Marshall Faulk Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons), and The actual Flash De’Von Achane (Miami Dolphins), but as the QB and face of his franchise, the former Buckeye should have a slight edge.
That being said, I don’t think ROTY would mean a damn thing to Stroud if his Texans team went 5-12. He wants to win. He showed as much against UGA, he has talked about the importance of doing so in Houston, and it seems to genuinely be his primary motivation.
The Houston franchise and its fans should be pretty happy. As should supporters and fans of Ohio State, who watched Stroud develop into a certified stud. The Texans got a good one. All because they knew and/or know that ball don’t lie.
Continue reading...
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
The former Buckeye signal caller is experiencing early success in Houston. And it should come as no surprise to those of us who know that ‘ball don’t lie’.
Taken second overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, C.J. Stroud was not celebrated or seen by all – maybe even most – as a homerun pick. Despite attending The Ohio State
Because Stroud appeared to be a reluctant runner in Columbus, was part of a team that lost a few big games, and supposedly scored poorly on some test, certain people were quick to label him ‘this’ or ‘that’. Stroud also had a stigma attached to him; one that comes with being a recent OSU QB. His name was mentioned with the likes of Miller, Barrett, Jones, and unfortunately even Haskins and Fields, as Buckeye signal callers whose talents or attributes did not work in the NFL.
Now, I am not here to defend or make a case for those other legendary QBs, but I could if I wanted to. Let’s just say that Stroud vs. anybody is not an apples-to-apples comparison and move on...
The conversation surrounding Stroud ultimately had little to no effect on his draft status, as he ended up going No. 2 to the Houston Texans, joining a rookie head coach, a bunch of other young guys, and several middling vets. No offense, but the Texans’ roster is simply not one that you would put together in Madden. So that became one more obstacle in the way of Stroud becoming a successful NFL quarterback. Something that is difficult enough without said obstacles, outside noise, internal pressure, etc.
Anyway, I gave you (or jogged your memory about) the backstory to now deliver a real-time update, which is that Stroud is absolutely balling in Houston. And the haters are sick as a result! But this should come as no real surprise to those of us who spent years watching the former Buckeye and also subscribe to Rasheed Wallace’s idiom of ‘ball don’t lie’.
Stroud has not just hit the ground running; he has actually taken the NFL by storm in record-breaking fashion. He is off to arguably the best start ever by a rookie QB, trailing only Cam Newton in total passing yards through four games, while also adding six touchdowns. And he (Stroud) has compiled these impressive stats (1,212 yards, 6 TD) without throwing a single interception, becoming the first player in NFL history to do so over the course of his first four games.
All of this – plus two wins – with a banged up offensive line and essentially no running game to speak of. I mean, seriously. How impressive has this guy been!?
More importantly, Stroud just contributed to Houston’s first victory at home since Dec. 26, 2021. That’s right, this Texans franchise in seemingly perpetual rebuild had not won a home game since the day after Christmas — (nearly) two years ago! Now, on top of notching that long-awaited home dub and having a real chance in the AFC South, Paul Wall’s favorite team has a QB they can and want to build around.
To replace the last guy, who... uhhh... wore out his welcome. Seems like onward and upward in Houston, with a massive upgrade in the leadership, personnel, and vibes department(s).
Paul Wall, Houston legend and the people’s champ
But again, no surprise to the Stroud Hive. Because C.J. also hit the ground running in Columbus — the same way he has thus far in Houston. Granted, his supporting cast at Ohio State was leaps and bounds better than most of the competition his team faced, but I digress.
Stroud took the reins of the QB position (at OSU) in 2021 and never looked back. He threw for over 8,000 yards and 85 TD in just 25 starts, and the only real ‘weakness’ he showed was a potential aversion to running... A narrative he more or less dispelled during last season’s CFP game against the Georgia Bulldogs.
So when Draft SZN rolled around, and certain analysts/evaluators/pundits/whomever began to poke holes in Stroud’s game, it seemed agenda or hot take-driven. There was little authenticity to their arguments. The kid checked all physical boxes, showed he could command an NFL-style offense, make all the reads, all the throws, and do so with a seemingly good head on his shoulders.
What’s the problem, not tough enough? Wrong. Blew off Peyton Manning? Wrong again. Terrible test taker? Maybe, but who cares! The bottom line is this: C.J. Stroud was the best QB prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. But several ‘professional evaluators’ wanted to sell us on literally anyone else, just so they could get some camera time.
Now Stroud is the betting favorite to win NFL Rookie of the Year. He will continue to battle the likes of
That being said, I don’t think ROTY would mean a damn thing to Stroud if his Texans team went 5-12. He wants to win. He showed as much against UGA, he has talked about the importance of doing so in Houston, and it seems to genuinely be his primary motivation.
The Houston franchise and its fans should be pretty happy. As should supporters and fans of Ohio State, who watched Stroud develop into a certified stud. The Texans got a good one. All because they knew and/or know that ball don’t lie.
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State’s Big Ten opponents announced through 2028
- News
- 0 Replies
Ohio State’s Big Ten opponents announced through 2028
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Larry Placido/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Among the new B1G programs, the Buckeyes will only see Oregon in 2024.
On Thursday afternoon, the Big Ten Conference announced its future scheduling format, with each program in the B1G learning who they will see in-conference both home and away through the 2028 season. The Big Ten described it’s new scheduling model as the following:
Here is how things broke for Ohio State, with the order of games not yet set. Games against newly added B1G teams (Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington) are in bold. The Buckeyes will play the Ducks on the road in 2024, both the Bruins (home) and the Huskies (road) in 2025, and meet the Trojans in-conference for the first time in 2026 on the road. Of course, there is a chance they will see some of these teams earlier in a Big Ten title game, as the B1G will be scrapping divisions starting next season.
Continue reading...
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Larry Placido/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Among the new B1G programs, the Buckeyes will only see Oregon in 2024.
On Thursday afternoon, the Big Ten Conference announced its future scheduling format, with each program in the B1G learning who they will see in-conference both home and away through the 2028 season. The Big Ten described it’s new scheduling model as the following:
Here is how things broke for Ohio State, with the order of games not yet set. Games against newly added B1G teams (Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington) are in bold. The Buckeyes will play the Ducks on the road in 2024, both the Bruins (home) and the Huskies (road) in 2025, and meet the Trojans in-conference for the first time in 2026 on the road. Of course, there is a chance they will see some of these teams earlier in a Big Ten title game, as the B1G will be scrapping divisions starting next season.
2024
Home Games:
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Michigan
- Nebraska
- Purdue
Away Games:
- Michigan State
- Northwestern
- Oregon
- Penn State
2025
Home Games:
- Minnesota
- Penn State
- Rutgers
- UCLA
Away Games:
- Illinois
- Michigan
- Purdue
- Washington
- Wisconsin
2026
Home Games:
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Northwestern
- Oregon
Away Games:
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Nebraska
- USC
2027
Home Games:
- Michigan State
- Nebraska
- Purdue
- USC
Away Games:
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Northwestern
- Oregon
- Rutgers
2028
Home Games:
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Rutgers
- Washington
- Wisconsin
Away Games:
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Penn State
- UCLA
Continue reading...
LGHL Big Ten Men’s Basketball Team Previews: Minnesota Golden Gophers
- News
- 0 Replies
Big Ten Men’s Basketball Team Previews: Minnesota Golden Gophers
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Is the third season under Ben Johnson where things starts to click?
As we enter the fall season and college football gets underway, college basketball is right around the corner. As always, to prepare you for the season, Land-Grant Holy Land will be publishing Big Ten Team Previews and Ohio State Basketball Player Previews, starting now with the Team Previews.
Team: Minnesota Golden Gophers
Head coach: Ben Johnson, Third Season, 22-39 (6-33)
2022-23 record: 9-22 (2-17)
All-time record against Ohio State: 47-77
Returners: Dawson Garcia, Parker Fox, Isaiah Ihnen, Pharrel Payne, Josh Ola-Joseph, Braeden Carrington, Kadyn Betts
Departures: Treyton Thompson, Jaden Henley, Jamison Battle, Ta’Lon Cooper
Newcomers: Cameron Christie, Mike Mitchell Jr., Jack Wilson, Elijah Hawkins, Kristupas Keinys
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24980133/usa_today_20086059.jpg "NCAA Basketball: Minnesota at Nebraska")
Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
As the last couple of years have been for the Gophers, the outlook is not pretty this season. Dawson Garcia is a very solid talent to lead the team, and Pharrel Payne could be a breakout star for them, but they lost too much talent to the transfer portal to truly be excited about the roster.
The Gophers lost Jamison Battle to Ohio State, Ta’Lon Cooper to South Carolina, Treyton Thompson to Stetson, and Jaden Henley to DePaul. All of these players would have been valuable contributors to the team this season, Cooper was the starting point guard last year, and Battle would be the best player on the floor along with Garcia and has All-Big Ten potential — and he is still in the conference in Columbus.
Garcia, who averaged 15.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game last season, is going to take much more attention this season as the clear top guy. They will need someone like Josh Ola-Joseph or Braeden Carrington to step up into a larger scoring role.
Cameron Christie is an interesting prospect. The younger brother of former Michigan State Spartan Max Christie, Cameron is a top-100 recruit nationally and is the third-best recruit in the state of Illinois.
If Christie can come in and be amongst some of the top freshmen in the conference and play a pivotal role immediately, he could be the right complement to Garcia and help Minnesota win a couple of games.
Minnesota will likely finish at the bottom of the conference again, and then the question really becomes: what is the expectation of Ben Johnson and the program? Richard Pitino went 141-123 at Minnesota in eight years and made the tournament twice with one NIT appearance.
Johnson is in a really tough position, and that is easy to acknowledge. Plus, he is a respected alumnus of the university, and right or wrong, that gives you a little bit more benefit of the doubt.
However, Johnson is 6-33 in the conference in two seasons at Minnesota, and has finished T-13th and 14th in the conference. If they finish 13th or 14th in the conference this season again, which they probably will, you have to start to wonder how long Johnson has to turn that ship around.
If Garcia is an all-conference player, Payne takes the next step, Christie is a top freshman in the conference, and two or three of the returning players take the next step, they might be able to win some games. But that is a lot of ‘ifs’ for a couple of wins.
Continue reading...
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Is the third season under Ben Johnson where things starts to click?
As we enter the fall season and college football gets underway, college basketball is right around the corner. As always, to prepare you for the season, Land-Grant Holy Land will be publishing Big Ten Team Previews and Ohio State Basketball Player Previews, starting now with the Team Previews.
Team: Minnesota Golden Gophers
Head coach: Ben Johnson, Third Season, 22-39 (6-33)
2022-23 record: 9-22 (2-17)
All-time record against Ohio State: 47-77
Returners: Dawson Garcia, Parker Fox, Isaiah Ihnen, Pharrel Payne, Josh Ola-Joseph, Braeden Carrington, Kadyn Betts
Departures: Treyton Thompson, Jaden Henley, Jamison Battle, Ta’Lon Cooper
Newcomers: Cameron Christie, Mike Mitchell Jr., Jack Wilson, Elijah Hawkins, Kristupas Keinys
Outlook
As the last couple of years have been for the Gophers, the outlook is not pretty this season. Dawson Garcia is a very solid talent to lead the team, and Pharrel Payne could be a breakout star for them, but they lost too much talent to the transfer portal to truly be excited about the roster.
The Gophers lost Jamison Battle to Ohio State, Ta’Lon Cooper to South Carolina, Treyton Thompson to Stetson, and Jaden Henley to DePaul. All of these players would have been valuable contributors to the team this season, Cooper was the starting point guard last year, and Battle would be the best player on the floor along with Garcia and has All-Big Ten potential — and he is still in the conference in Columbus.
Garcia, who averaged 15.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game last season, is going to take much more attention this season as the clear top guy. They will need someone like Josh Ola-Joseph or Braeden Carrington to step up into a larger scoring role.
Cameron Christie is an interesting prospect. The younger brother of former Michigan State Spartan Max Christie, Cameron is a top-100 recruit nationally and is the third-best recruit in the state of Illinois.
If Christie can come in and be amongst some of the top freshmen in the conference and play a pivotal role immediately, he could be the right complement to Garcia and help Minnesota win a couple of games.
Prediction
Minnesota will likely finish at the bottom of the conference again, and then the question really becomes: what is the expectation of Ben Johnson and the program? Richard Pitino went 141-123 at Minnesota in eight years and made the tournament twice with one NIT appearance.
Johnson is in a really tough position, and that is easy to acknowledge. Plus, he is a respected alumnus of the university, and right or wrong, that gives you a little bit more benefit of the doubt.
However, Johnson is 6-33 in the conference in two seasons at Minnesota, and has finished T-13th and 14th in the conference. If they finish 13th or 14th in the conference this season again, which they probably will, you have to start to wonder how long Johnson has to turn that ship around.
If Garcia is an all-conference player, Payne takes the next step, Christie is a top freshman in the conference, and two or three of the returning players take the next step, they might be able to win some games. But that is a lot of ‘ifs’ for a couple of wins.
Continue reading...
DL Dominic Kirks (National Champion)
- By brodybuck21
- Buckeye Football
- 52 Replies
247
Rivals
HUDL
ON3
Class: 2024 (high school)
Position: Defensive Line
School: Cleveland (OH) Villa Angela-St. Joseph
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 250 lbs
courtesy of 11W forums....
AG tweeted about a 2024 recruit who's committed elsewhere visiting OSU this weekend. I might've missed it somewhere, but anyone know who it is?
Dominic Kirks is one of Washington’s major 2024 recruiting wins - they’ve been trying desperately to establish a recruiting pipeline in the Midwest. Kirks is their first recruit from Ohio in 20 years. ON3 has Kirks in their top 300.
Rivals
HUDL
ON3
Class: 2024 (high school)
Position: Defensive Line
School: Cleveland (OH) Villa Angela-St. Joseph
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 250 lbs
courtesy of 11W forums....
AG tweeted about a 2024 recruit who's committed elsewhere visiting OSU this weekend. I might've missed it somewhere, but anyone know who it is?
Dominic Kirks is one of Washington’s major 2024 recruiting wins - they’ve been trying desperately to establish a recruiting pipeline in the Midwest. Kirks is their first recruit from Ohio in 20 years. ON3 has Kirks in their top 300.
LGHL Ohio State offers in-state 2025 linebacker, gets set for big recruiting weekend
- News
- 0 Replies
Ohio State offers in-state 2025 linebacker, gets set for big recruiting weekend
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Akron Hoban product Eli Lee is the latest to earn an Ohio State offer.
Ohio State will certainly need to load up at the linebacker position in the 2025 class. With the veteran room in Columbus now, Jim Knowles and James Laurinaitis will have to land multiple prospects in the next cycle, and on Wednesday a new name of potential emerged on the list as the staff sent out their latest offer to another linebacker target.
Not having to go far from their own backyard, the Buckeyes dished out an offer to in-state linebacker, Eli Lee. A 6-foot-3, 215 pound athlete, the Akron Hoban product is currently the 56th best player at his position and the 34th best player in Ohio per 247Sports’ rankings for the 2025 class. With two offers to his name until Ohio State pulled the trigger, an addition like this makes it just a matter of time before several other top suitors take notice.
The Buckeyes already look like the team to beat for Lee, as he was Crystal Ball’d to end up staying close to home the same day as he received the offer by Bill Kurelic. Typically, when an in-state native hears from the Buckeyes it tends to go well, and if the trend continues here it looks more like a matter of when and not if that Ohio State will land his commitment.
Wanting to keep their best guys at home for their college careers, Lee is the next name worth paying attention to as he looks like a real candidate to commit for the 2025 haul.
Ohio State being back at home this weekend means the recruiting opportunities are back in action. Hosting Maryland for game five of the season, the Buckeyes won’t only be playing host to the Terps, but also several top recruiting prospects in the current and future classes. It’s only been a few weeks, but it feels like it’s been much longer since Ohio State had a home contest, and this weekend should get things back on track in terms of on-campus visits for game days.
On Wednesday the names for the guest list continued to grow when current four-star commit Jaylen McClain shared that he would be back in town to see his future home, The No. 257 player nationally and the 24th best safety in the class per the 247Sports Composite, McClain being back on campus gives the staff another chance to further cement his decision, but also let the DB do some peer recruiting of his own as there will be ample chances to explain why Ohio State is the place to be.
Only a few spots left in the 2024 class, the staff is looking hard to fill each with a top talent and though their efforts are strong, there’s never anything wrong with current commits doing some recruiting of their own.
A 6-foot-5, 290 pound athlete out of Toledo Whitmer, Lowe is currently the No. 164 player nationally and the 15th best offensive tackle in the 2025 class per the 247Sports Composite. Knowing how important the offensive line is in every recruiting class, the Ohio bloodlines are producing top tier targets and the Buckeyes look to have the upper hand early on with their in-state natives.
What would be a big time get for the 2025 cycle, position coach Justin Frye will be all over this one until it’s a done deal, but the trends are certainly positive for Ohio State’s chances at keeping another one of the better products at home for their college careers.
Continue reading...
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Akron Hoban product Eli Lee is the latest to earn an Ohio State offer.
Ohio State will certainly need to load up at the linebacker position in the 2025 class. With the veteran room in Columbus now, Jim Knowles and James Laurinaitis will have to land multiple prospects in the next cycle, and on Wednesday a new name of potential emerged on the list as the staff sent out their latest offer to another linebacker target.
Not having to go far from their own backyard, the Buckeyes dished out an offer to in-state linebacker, Eli Lee. A 6-foot-3, 215 pound athlete, the Akron Hoban product is currently the 56th best player at his position and the 34th best player in Ohio per 247Sports’ rankings for the 2025 class. With two offers to his name until Ohio State pulled the trigger, an addition like this makes it just a matter of time before several other top suitors take notice.
The Buckeyes already look like the team to beat for Lee, as he was Crystal Ball’d to end up staying close to home the same day as he received the offer by Bill Kurelic. Typically, when an in-state native hears from the Buckeyes it tends to go well, and if the trend continues here it looks more like a matter of when and not if that Ohio State will land his commitment.
Wanting to keep their best guys at home for their college careers, Lee is the next name worth paying attention to as he looks like a real candidate to commit for the 2025 haul.
Guest list for this weekend continuing to grow
Ohio State being back at home this weekend means the recruiting opportunities are back in action. Hosting Maryland for game five of the season, the Buckeyes won’t only be playing host to the Terps, but also several top recruiting prospects in the current and future classes. It’s only been a few weeks, but it feels like it’s been much longer since Ohio State had a home contest, and this weekend should get things back on track in terms of on-campus visits for game days.
On Wednesday the names for the guest list continued to grow when current four-star commit Jaylen McClain shared that he would be back in town to see his future home, The No. 257 player nationally and the 24th best safety in the class per the 247Sports Composite, McClain being back on campus gives the staff another chance to further cement his decision, but also let the DB do some peer recruiting of his own as there will be ample chances to explain why Ohio State is the place to be.
Only a few spots left in the 2024 class, the staff is looking hard to fill each with a top talent and though their efforts are strong, there’s never anything wrong with current commits doing some recruiting of their own.
Quick Hits
- In addition to the Crystal Ball submitted for Lee, Bill Kurelic of Bucknuts also issued a second prediction on Wednesday via the 247Sports Crystal Ball for the Buckeyes to land in-state 2025 offensive tackle Carter Lowe.
A 6-foot-5, 290 pound athlete out of Toledo Whitmer, Lowe is currently the No. 164 player nationally and the 15th best offensive tackle in the 2025 class per the 247Sports Composite. Knowing how important the offensive line is in every recruiting class, the Ohio bloodlines are producing top tier targets and the Buckeyes look to have the upper hand early on with their in-state natives.
What would be a big time get for the 2025 cycle, position coach Justin Frye will be all over this one until it’s a done deal, but the trends are certainly positive for Ohio State’s chances at keeping another one of the better products at home for their college careers.
Continue reading...
