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LGHL 4-star DE Tyreke Smith signs with Ohio State on National Signing Day

4-star DE Tyreke Smith signs with Ohio State on National Signing Day
Alexis Chassen
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


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This in-state recruit wasn’t easy to get, but should be well worth the effort for the Buckeyes.

The Early Signing Period changed the recruiting game a bit near the tail-end of 2017, and players who planned on announcing their commitment during one of the high school All-Star games would have to wait until after many of their classmates had already signed on the dotted line. This was the case for four-star DE Tyreke Smith, who made his announcement during the Under Armour All-America game in early January.

Well, today, Smith made things official on National Signing Day, sending in his signed Letter of Intent to Urban Meyer and staff in Columbus. The dual-threat on offense and defense can do it all. In his senior season, he not only notched 11 sacks and 70 total tackles, but also claimed eight catches for 192 yards and four touchdowns.


The Land➡️The Bus

Excited to keep this baller in-state! @T_23_baller is ready to be apart of the Rushmen!#GoBucks #Supreme18 #NSD18 pic.twitter.com/wgmgA2Va0v

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) February 7, 2018

Despite roster spots dwindling, Smith was one player for which Ohio State certainly would have kept a roster spot available for until NSD. Despite getting tight on scholarships, the Cleveland Heights recruit will keep a pipeline with the school that produced second-year Buckeye receiver Jaylen Harris, and could be another way to keep recruits from Ohio in-state.

With Larry Johnson’s Rushmen package taking a hit thanks to the NFL Draft, Smith will be a key factor in rebuilding the defensive front. Already a big 6’3, 260 pounds, the weakside defensive end ranked No. 4 among DEs in the 2018 class, and No. 60 overall, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings.

Scouting Report


Standing at 6’3, 260 lbs, Tyreek Smith possesses great athleticism for a guy his size, as he played both defensive end and tight end at Cleveland Heights. When watching him, it’s apparent pretty quickly that he has a lightning quick first step, as he’s extremely disruptive in the run game, slicing through and over-powering offensive linemen.

He makes countless plays behind the line of scrimmage, and with the help of Mickey Marotti, he should be able to dominate as a three-technique. He also needs to improve his pass rushing arsenal, which will come with experience and under the tutelage of the great Larry Johnson.

With the Buckeyes currently stacked on the interior defensive line, Smith will likely redshirt, but if they decide he’s more of a pure defensive end, he could see some time in a rotation.

—Christopher Jason
Highlights

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Google Ohio State football recruiting: Five-star Nicholas Petit-Frere commits to Buckeyes -...

Ohio State football recruiting: Five-star Nicholas Petit-Frere commits to Buckeyes - CBSSports.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football recruiting: Five-star Nicholas Petit-Frere commits to Buckeyes
CBSSports.com
It's not quite a full-fledged National Signing Day "surprise," but let's say Ohio State was happy with a late push on one of the top uncommitted recruits for 2018. Offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere signed his National Letter of Intent with the ...


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Google Ohio State Football | Buckeyes add nation's No.1 tackle to 2018 class - The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State Football | Buckeyes add nation's No.1 tackle to 2018 class - The Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State Football | Buckeyes add nation's No.1 tackle to 2018 class
The Columbus Dispatch
There was a lull at the start, due mainly to snowy weather, but when Ohio State's second 2018 national letter of intent signing day finally got rolling about 10 a.m. on Wednesday it picked up steam in a hurry, gaining the nation's No.1 offensive tackle ...
Why Ohio State? Nicholas Petit-Frere answers on ESPNU247Sports

all 16 news articles »


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BTN Bonus Coverage of No. 3 Purdue vs. No. 14 Ohio State tonight on BTN

Bonus Coverage of No. 3 Purdue vs. No. 14 Ohio State tonight on BTN
BTN Communications via Big Ten Network

As part of tonight’s Super Wednesday doubleheader coverage presented by U.S. Cellular, BTN will provide an additional live presence at Mackey Arena before, during and after the matchup between No. 3 Purdue vs. No. 14 Ohio State. The battle at the top of the Big Ten Conference, tipping off at 8:30 p.m. ET on BTN, features two teams with the best combined league record (23-1) through at least 24 conference games in the past 20 years. Pregame Digital Content Follow along on Periscope as BTN contributor Andy Katz takes you inside shootaround for both Ohio State (noon – 1 p.m.

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LGHL 3-star WR Chris Olave signs with Ohio State on National Signing Day

3-star WR Chris Olave signs with Ohio State on National Signing Day
Charles Doss
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


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Just over a week after verbally committing to OSU, Olave is now officially a Buckeye.

Soon after picking up his scholarship offer from the Ohio State coaching staff, three-star wide receiver Chris Olave had the following to say to Land-Grant Holy Land about his opportunity to suit up in the Scarlet and Gray.

“This offer is unreal. Growing up watching college football, Ohio State was always a powerhouse and still is. Knowing I have an offer from one of the top programs in the nation is unbelievable. This offer means a lot for my recruitment. They’re definitely one of my top schools from here on out and I’ll take a deep look into OSU.”

A few months later, Olave will live out his dreams of playing on the college level, as he’s put pen to paper, signing his national letter of intent with Urban Meyer, Ryan Day, Zach Smith, and the rest of the Ohio State coaching staff days after dishing out his verbal pledge to the Buckeyes.


CA➡️OH

Showing some Cali love.. Welcome to #Zone6, @chrisolave_!#GoBucks #Supreme18 #NSD18 pic.twitter.com/oBKw5q9Yk3

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) February 7, 2018

A speedster from Mission Hills High School in San Marcos, California, the 6’1 and 170-pounder — who chose OSU on January 28 over scholarships from the likes of USC, UCLA, and Utah — will help give the Buckeyes four more dynamic playmaking options, joining fellow class of 2018 signees L’Christian “Blue” Smith, Kamyrn Babb, and Cameron Brown on the now stacked Ohio State wide receiver depth chart.


Although, it might be pretty tough to walk right in and grab a spot in the Buckeyes rotation as a true freshman, with Parris Campbell, Terry McLaurin, Johnnie Dixon, K.J. Hill, Binjimen Victor, and others returning, Chris has gone above and beyond to prove doubters wrong in the past.

Missing his entire junior campaign due to transfer rules, Olave, the 69th wide out, and 396th overall prospect in the country, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings, bounced back to put together a season people will talk about for years to come. Hauling in nearly 100 receptions from University of Utah quarterback signee Jack Tuttle, he finished his senior year with a San Diego Section-record 1,764 yards and 26 touchdowns to help lead the Mission Hills Grizzlies to an overall record of 12-1 and a near state championship title.

Scouting Report


“If you’re still disappointed about Ohio State losing Tyjon Lindsey to Nebraska in the last recruiting cycle, I’ve got good news for you: Chris Olave is a very similar prospect. He’s a prototypical slot receiver in skill, with the size of a primary receiver (6-foot-1, 170 pounds).

He’s a very crisp route runner, and he’s electric with the ball in his hands—because of his quickness, and surprisingly long strides. He’s never really going to be a big play kind of receiver, as he isn’t really a burner, but he’s capable of tracking down deep throws, and could find himself at the “K.J. Hill” hybrid slot/H-back position.

With his consistently good hands, and willingness to block, Olave could see the field early in Columbus, as Ohio State will have a mass exodus of receivers next season, with Parris Campbell, Terry McLaurin, Johnnie Dixon, and C.J. Saunders all graduating, and Binjimen Victor, Austin Mack, and K.J. Hill could all decide to declare for the NFL as well.”

Patrick Mayhorn, Land-Grant Holy Land
Highlights

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LGHL 4-star DT Tyler Friday signs with Ohio State on National Signing Day

4-star DT Tyler Friday signs with Ohio State on National Signing Day
Alexis Chassen
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


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Just weeks after making a verbal commitment, Friday joins a stacked 2018 class for the Buckeyes.

Ohio State continued to add star power to their 2018 recruiting class, with the official addition of defensive tackle Tyler Friday. Just weeks after giving his verbal pledge to the Buckeyes, Friday put pen to paper and sent in his National Letter of Intent during the traditional February signing day.


Got one! Congrats to @almighty_ty5!! pic.twitter.com/HaFFkl62Za

— Mark Pantoni (@markpantoni) February 7, 2018

The four-star DT out of New Jersey is among the top 100 recruits from this year’s class (No. 93), ranking No. 6 among all defensive tackles and No. 4 at any position from the Garden State.

Holding offers from 20 schools, Friday only took three visits before ultimately choosing Ohio State, over the likes of Georgia, Michigan, Penn State and other top-tier programs. Despite being heavily recruited by SEC-rival Alabama, even through Tuesday, Friday was firm in his commitment to Urban Meyer and his staff, and will now head to Columbus.


Even though he’s listed as a defensive tackle, he’ll probably get his first chance at a spot in the depth chart at defensive end — and he’ll definitely have a shot to earn playing time as a true freshman. With Friday, and four-star Tyreke Smith, officially part of Ohio State’s 2018 class, replacing talent leaving for the NFL isn’t quite as concerning.

Scouting Report


Friday is unique, because he really doesn’t have a true position. He played on the offensive line as a sophomore, and spent the past two years on the defensive line, both at tackle and at end. Ohio State is recruiting him as a 5-tech defensive end, a position he should excel in, thanks to his impressive size (6-foot-3, 263 pounds), versatility, and athleticism.

He’s an outstanding pass-rusher, and should fit right in with Ohio State’s infamous rushmen package. The main thing he needs to improve in his game is cleaning up his technique, which comes with experience and coaching, both of which he’ll have plenty of in Columbus.

His play-style is fairly similar to former Buckeye defensive end Jalyn Holmes, and if Friday can have a similar career to Homes (a future millionaire), Buckeye fans should be very pleased.

—Patrick Mayhorn
Highlights

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Google Ohio State National Signing Day tracker - 247Sports

Ohio State National Signing Day tracker - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State National Signing Day tracker
247Sports
Today is a big day for the Buckeyes, National Signing Day. Urban Meyer is set to put the finishing touches on “Supreme 18,” which could be Meyer's first No. 1 recruiting class since he has been at Ohio State. As the day begins the Buckeyes have 22 ...
National Signing Day: Projected Ohio State signees, commitments, live updatesLandof10.com
National Signing Day 2018: Live updates, news and analysis from around college footballcleveland.com

all 160 news articles »


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Google Full Bios: Introducing OSU's #Supreme18 recruiting class - 247Sports

Full Bios: Introducing OSU's #Supreme18 recruiting class - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Full Bios: Introducing OSU's #Supreme18 recruiting class
247Sports
Welcome to the National Signing Day Part 2 for college football's 2018 recruiting calendar! The NCAA instituted an early signing period for the 2018 recruiting cycle. On Dec. 20, Ohio State signed 21 prospects for this year's class. The “traditional ...

and more »


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Google Ohio State Football Recruiting: Grading the Buckeyes 2018 class - FanSided

Ohio State Football Recruiting: Grading the Buckeyes 2018 class - FanSided
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State Football Recruiting: Grading the Buckeyes 2018 class
FanSided
The Ohio State football program will look to build off another strong year by adding top-tier recruits to the 2018 team. The Ohio State football program remains among the best in the nation. It barely missed the recent College Football Playoff ...
Still amazed Lions beat Buckeyes in match for the agesAltoona Mirror
Penn State wrestling unanimous No. 1 after victory over Ohio StateCentre Daily Times
How Michigan and Penn State are recruiting at Ohio State's level (almost): National Signing Day 2018cleveland.com
My Twin Tiers.com
all 41 news articles »


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Google Full Bios: Introducing OSU's #Supreme18 recruiting class - 247Sports

Full Bios: Introducing OSU's #Supreme18 recruiting class - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Full Bios: Introducing OSU's #Supreme18 recruiting class
247Sports
Welcome to the National Signing Day Part 2 for college football's 2018 recruiting calendar! The NCAA instituted an early signing period for the 2018 recruiting cycle. On Dec. 20, Ohio State signed 21 prospects for this year's class. The “traditional ...

and more »


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LGHL How to watch No. 14 Ohio State vs. No. 3 Purdue: Preview, game time, live streaming online

How to watch No. 14 Ohio State vs. No. 3 Purdue: Preview, game time, live streaming online
Meredith Hein
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


usa_today_10584701.0.jpg

The Buckeyes face their toughest test of the season as they travel to West Lafayette tonight.

The No. 14 Ohio State Buckeyes men’s basketball team is heading into its toughest contest of the year as they face the No. 3 Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Ind., tonight.

Bragging rights are on the line, too, as the Boilermakers sit atop the conference standings with a perfect 12-0 conference record. Ohio State is just behind—their lone loss to Penn State is the only blemish on an 11-1 conference record. After the Boilermakers face Ohio State tonight, they head to East Lansing, Mich., to battle Michigan State on Saturday. Win the pair, and the championship is all but won for the Boilermakers. Drop one, and Purdue could lose out on the top spot in the conference tournament. If Ohio State wins, they’ll hold the tiebreaker over Purdue and have an inside shot at the No. 1-seed.

The Buckeyes are winners of two straight after falling to Penn State. Sunday, Ohio State completed a comeback win over Illinois, overcoming a double-digit first-half deficit for the 75-67 win. Keita Bates-Diop was once again the hero of the hour, leading the Buckeyes in scoring with 35 points and 13 rebounds for his 10th double-double of the season. Ohio State earned the win without Kam Williams, its best three-point shooter, who was suspended indefinitely prior to the matchup. The Buckeyes will be without Williams once again this evening.

Purdue is currently riding a 19-game win streak, and is undefeated at Mackey Arena this season. Most recently, the Boilermakers pulled out a narrow win at Rutgers Saturday. Led by seniors Vincent Edwards and Isaac Haas, Purdue survived a second-half surge by the Scarlet Knights--a team that has won just two conference games.

Matt Painter is in his 13th season as head coach at Purdue, and is the second-longest tenured coach in the Big Ten behind Tom Izzo. He holds a 288-144 overall record with the Boilermakers. Painter has taken Purdue to the NCAA Tournament nine times with three Sweet 16 appearances, including one last season.

The Boilermakers lost just one player from last year’s starting lineup. Unfortunately for them, that player was Caleb Swanigan, last season’s Big Ten Player of the Year, who was selected with the 26th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Painter is just 8-16 against the Buckeyes, but Purdue holds the all-time series advantage 86-83. Ohio State dropped its last game against Purdue last season 76-75 in Columbus. Overall, the Buckeyes are 813-714 against current members of the Big Ten.

Numbers to know

4


How many times Keita Bates-Diop has won Big Ten Player of the Week honors this season. In a closely-contested match against Illinois, the junior forward recorded a career-high 35 points--nearly half of Ohio State’s point total on the day. He also hit 13 free throws--another career high. This season, Bates-Diop leads the Big Ten in scoring with 20.2 points per game. He is also third in the conference in rebounding with 8.9 boards per outing. Tonight, Bates-Diop will be going up against Vincent Edwards, who, along with fellow Boilermakers Isaac Haas and Carsen Edwards, has one Player of the Week honor this season. Bates-Diop is also a strong contender for Big Ten Player of the Year. If he wins, he would be the first Buckeye to receive the honor since Evan Turner in 2010. Moreover, he was added yesterday to the late season Wooden Award watch list as one of the top-20 players in the country.

1.6


Purdue’s assist-to-turnover ratio, which is the best in the Big Ten and fourth in the NCAA. The Boilermakers are led by shooting guard Dakota Mathias, whose individual ratio is a mind-dumbing 3.3, good for 10th in the country. The Boilermakers are averaging just 11 turnovers per game. Mathias himself gives the ball up 1.4 times per game, but makes up for it with 4.4 assists per outing. While Ohio State’s 12 turnovers per game does not seem that far off from Purdue’s average, the Buckeyes coughed the ball up a whopping 15 against Illinois, with six coming from Bates-Diop alone. Ohio State currently boasts a 1.2 assist to turnover ratio, which has improved since the start of the season, but still reflects the turnover issues that Ohio State has faced. Against a team like Purdue, which does not make a lot of mistakes, the Buckeyes will have to play a much cleaner game than what they demonstrated against the Illini.

42.8%


Purdue’s average from three-point range. That’s third in the NCAA and best in the Big Ten. The Boilermakers average 10 threes per game, and are led by senior guard P.J. Thompson and Mathias, both of whom are shooting above 45 percent from the perimeter. While the big men often get the credit at Purdue for their role in the paint, they have the added bonus of opening up the outside threat which poses a matchup problem for defenses. Ohio State, meanwhile, is shooting a respectable 35.5 percent from range on the season, but has already struggled in their single game without Kam Williams, their leading three-point shooter on the season. Against Illinois, the Buckeyes went just 3-for-16 from behind the arc.

Cast of characters

Ohio State

Kaleb Wesson


The freshman, who most recently started at center, is the Buckeyes’ most formidable big man on the floor this season, and he will have a lot to contend with this evening from Purdue’s front court. Wesson, a two-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week, has been one of the most reliable shooters on Chris Holtmann’s squad, connecting on more than 58 percent of his shots from the field. While his minutes are not as significant as Bates-Diop, Jae’Sean Tate or C.J. Jackson, he is still averaging in double figures this season. He is also one of the hottest players in college basketball at the moment. Against Indiana, Wesson was a perfect 7-for-7 from the field. That mark came after a 4-for-4 performance in Ohio State’s loss to Penn State. The freshman has come a long way during his first season with the Buckeyes, and tonight will be a chance to see just how much he has improved.

Jae’Sean Tate


While Wesson, Bates-Diop and Jackson have all emerged as vastly improved players this season, senior forward Jae’Sean Tate has quietly filled a supporting role that has been crucial to the Buckeyes’ success thus far. Last season, Tate led Ohio State in scoring with 14.3 points per game. This year, however, Tate has taken a step back as more of a role player, as the likes of Bates-Diop, Wesson and Jackson have all stepped up to pick up the pieces that Tate often carried alone previously. The senior is averaging 12.8 points per game this season, while his minutes have decreased from 32 to 30 per game. However, his field goal percentage has remained consistent, shooting greater than 55 percent from the field this season.

Purdue

Vincent Edwards


The senior forward from Middletown, Ohio is Bates-Diop’s top competition for Big Ten Player of the Year honors this season. Last week, like his Ohio State counterpart, Edwards played through illness to push his team to victories against Rutgers and Maryland. He recorded a team-high 18 points against the Scarlet Knights and, despite vomiting on his arrival in New Jersey for the game, played for 36 minutes. While he is behind Carsen Edwards (not related) in scoring, the big man has made adjustments heading into his final season as a Boilermaker and has become a force down low along with Isaac Haas. Edwards is shooting nearly 50 percent from the field, including 41 percent from three-point range, and is highly-efficient on the offensive side of the ball. Against No. 25 Michigan last month, Edwards scored 30 points on 9-for-11 shooting. Ohio State will have its hands full with the pair of Edwards and Haas down low.

Isaac Haas


In a word, the senior center from Alabama is enormous. Seriously. He is 7-foot-2, 290 pounds, and, in his fourth year with the program, is finally the allegorical big man on campus with the departure of Caleb Swanigan. While there is little to knock from his first three seasons with the Boilermakers, Haas has come into his own this year, truly owning Purdue’s front court while averaging 14.5 points per game. Given his size and strength, few have been able to defend him one-on-one, and he creates a severe mismatch for defenses who attempt a double-team--something that has been a vast improvement in his play from previous seasons. A threat in the paint, Haas is shooting greater than 61 percent from the field on the season, and has been Vincent Edwards’ go-to outlet below the basket. Coincidentally, Haas has not attempted a single three-point shot his entire college career, but is surrounded by a myriad of sharpshooters from distance whom the Buckeyes will need to contend with.

How to watch


Game time: 8:30 p.m. EST

TV: BTN

Radio: 97.1 WBNS-FM

Streaming: BTN2Go

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Google Ohio State football: Buckeyes battle to land Nicholas Petit-Frere; Gene Smith calls...

Ohio State football: Buckeyes battle to land Nicholas Petit-Frere; Gene Smith calls coaches' salaries 'ridiculous' - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football: Buckeyes battle to land Nicholas Petit-Frere; Gene Smith calls coaches' salaries 'ridiculous'
Landof10.com
Ohio State has made the Lone Star State something of a home away from the Horseshoe. And the Buckeyes actually might be even more comfortable at Jerry World than at TCU in what normally would amount to a quasi-home game for the program from Fort Worth ...
How Kam Williams got Ohio State here: Buckeyes basketball analysiscleveland.com
Ohio State football: Top tackle recruit projected to sign with BuckeyesThe Columbus Dispatch
Buckeyes, Boilers are playing for driver's seatFort Wayne Journal Gazette
247Sports -Purdue Exponent -The Athletic
all 107 news articles »


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Google Ohio State National Signing Day tracker - 247Sports

Ohio State National Signing Day tracker - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State National Signing Day tracker
247Sports
Today is a big day for the Buckeyes, National Signing Day. Urban Meyer is set to put the finishing touches on “Supreme 18,” which could be Meyer's first No. 1 recruiting class since he has been at Ohio State. As the day begins the Buckeyes have 22 ...
National Signing Day: Projected Ohio State signees, commitments, live updatesLandof10.com
National Signing Day 2018: Live updates, news and analysis from around college footballcleveland.com

all 92 news articles »


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LGHL Ohio State awaits decisions from several 2018 stars on National Signing Day

Ohio State awaits decisions from several 2018 stars on National Signing Day
Patrick Mayhorn
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


6_5345677.0.jpg

Can the Buckeyes put a bow on their 2018 class?

National Signing Day is finally upon us. While NSD doesn’t have the usual importance that it did in past years because of the newly introduced early signing period, hundreds of recruits will still be signing tomorrow all over the country, several of which are very important as it relates to the Ohio State Buckeyes.

The Scarlet and Gray will be signing defensive ends Tyler Friday and Tyreke Smith, and wide receiver Chris Olave tomorrow for sure, but the Buckeyes still have a number of players left on the board that they’re hoping to add on the final day of the 2018 recruiting cycle. While there are some players that were considering Ohio State but will be signing elsewhere for any number of reasons (players like Tavion Taylor, Maurice Washington, DJ Brown, Christopher Oats and Solomon Tuliaupupu), three main names remain for Buckeye fans to watch tomorrow: Nicholas Petit-Frere, Rasheed Walker, and Javontae Jean-Baptiste.

We took a look at all three of these players yesterday, and while nothing has really changed on the Rasheed Walker front (our pick is still on Penn State), there is news to talk about surrounding both Nicholas Petit-Frere and Javontae Jean-Baptiste.

Nicholas Petit-Frere


Petit-Frere is, as he has all recruiting cycle, keeping his decision close to the vest. He made his decision last night with his family, and will be announcing it today, on ESPN, at 10 a.m. ET. The general feeling around his recruitment is that he could land at any of his four finalists (Alabama, Florida, Notre Dame and Ohio State), as all four schools are confident that they’ve done enough.

All four schools offer certain things that appeal to NPF, which is what makes this recruitment so tight. Florida offers the location, and a solid chance to play early, both of which he’s very interested in. Notre Dame has the elite academics he’s looking for. Alabama is, well, Alabama, you know exactly what they have to offer, and Ohio State has formed the best relationships with Petit-Frere.

As we’ve seen so many times, relationships are absolutely crucial in recruiting, and while I wouldn’t be willing to put a crystal ball pick on it (also I don’t have one of those), this feels like one of those instances where relationships win out over all other factors. As of this moment, I feel that Ohio State will win the Petit-Frere sweepstakes, putting a great finish on their fantastic class, and all but locking up the top spot in the team rankings.

Prediction: Ohio State

Javontae Jean-Baptiste


If you’re looking for an absolute roller-coaster of a recruitment, this is the one for you. For several weeks in January, Ohio State seemed to be the favorite to land the New Jersey defensive end, but that connection dissolved seemingly as quickly as it formed. Both parties looked elsewhere, the Buckeyes towards Christopher Oats and JJB towards Virginia Tech, Nebraska and Texas A&M.

However, after that slight hiatus, the Buckeyes seem to have a renewed interest in Jean-Baptiste, and as of writing, they absolutely have a chance to land the four-star end. Jean-Baptiste has narrowed his focus to the Buckeyes and Texas A&M, and will be announcing his decision at 7 a.m. ET.

While it’ll be tough for Ohio State to find enough room to accommodate two more commits in their class, they’ll make it happen if both NPF and JJB want in, and at this point, I think they both do. Unless something changes, I think Jean-Baptiste will pick Ohio State this morning.

Prediction: Ohio State

Quick Hits

  • Ohio State landed Broadview Heights wide receiver Sam Wiglusz as a preferred walk-on yesterday.

I am very excited to announce my commitment to The Ohio State University to continue my academic and athletic careers! #GoBuckeyes #Zone6 pic.twitter.com/Y5d6mcl8Je

— Sam Wiglusz (@samwiglusz) February 6, 2018
  • The Buckeyes extended an offer to 2019 four-star receiver John Dunmore, as well as 2019 three-star cornerback Jeffery Carter.

Extremely Blessed and Honored To Receive A(N) Offer From Ohio State University ⭕#Zone6 #BrowardBuckeyes pic.twitter.com/j8rjYpll42

— Jdsunn__ (@JohnDunmore2) February 6, 2018

THIS IS HUGE!!! Very blessed to say that I have been offered by THE Ohio State University!!!! ️ pic.twitter.com/jbTNSvWHfw

— scooby (@jcarter2133) February 6, 2018

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Google Buckeyes, Boilers are playing for driver's seat - Fort Wayne Journal Gazette

Buckeyes, Boilers are playing for driver's seat - Fort Wayne Journal Gazette
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes, Boilers are playing for driver's seat
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette
In almost any conference, a 12-0 start in league play would allow a team to cruise through the rest of the schedule en route to a conference title. In the Big Ten, all it's earned No. 3 Purdue is a showdown for control of the league tonight against ...
How Micah Potter got Ohio State here: Buckeyes basketball analysiscleveland.com
2017-2018 Week 14 Rankings Reaction: Few Changes This Week for Big TenBT Powerhouse (blog)
This Week in the Big Ten - Big Ten Conference Athletics News ...Big Ten Conference
Big Ten Network -The Athletic
all 153 news articles »


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Google Ohio State football podcast: Buckeyes trying to close the deal on Petit-Frere - MyAJC

Ohio State football podcast: Buckeyes trying to close the deal on Petit-Frere - MyAJC
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football podcast: Buckeyes trying to close the deal on Petit-Frere
MyAJC
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Get insight and reaction to Ohio State sports on the Inside the Shoe podcast, brought to you by Land of 10. On the latest edition, Ryan Donnelly provides the latest on Nicholas Petit-Frere, the No. 2-rated tackle in the 2018 class ...


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Google Buckeyes offer No. 9 overall prospect in Texas - 247Sports

Buckeyes offer No. 9 overall prospect in Texas - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes offer No. 9 overall prospect in Texas
247Sports
The Buckeyes have offered a scholarship to Houston (Texas) St. Pius 2019 wide receiver Jalen Curry. Bill Kurelic - 9 minutes ago; 1; Tools. Edit; Slot to 247Sports Home; Slot to Ohio State Buckeyes Newsletter; Slot to Ohio State Links. The Buckeyes ...

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Google Penn State wrestling unanimous No. 1 after victory over Ohio State - Centre Daily Times

Penn State wrestling unanimous No. 1 after victory over Ohio State - Centre Daily Times
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Penn State wrestling unanimous No. 1 after victory over Ohio State
Centre Daily Times
The Buckeye moved up four spots to No. 7. After each added a ranked win to their resumes Saturday, Penn State's Zain Retherford (149), Vincenzo Joseph (165), and Bo Nickal (184) all maintained their No. 1 ranks, while Mark Hall held steady at No. 2 at ...
How Michigan and Penn State are recruiting at Ohio State's level (almost): National Signing Day 2018cleveland.com

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Google Buckeyes offer 4-star Florida wide receiver - 247Sports

Buckeyes offer 4-star Florida wide receiver - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes offer 4-star Florida wide receiver
247Sports
The Buckeyes have offered a scholarship to Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna Prep 2019 wide receiver John Dunmore. Extremely Blessed and Honored To Receive A(N) Offer From Ohio State University ⭕ #Zone6 #BrowardBuckeyes pic.twitter.com ...


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LGHL Ohio State’s less heralded signings matter just as much as the stars

Ohio State’s less heralded signings matter just as much as the stars
Ian Cuevas
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


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The Buckeyes have been successful with five-stars and three-stars alike.

“There is a correlation between how teams do and where your team is ranked, recruiting class is ranked. But certainly that’s not the final product because you’ve got to coach and develop them and get them here.”

- Urban Meyer via Austin Ward, Land of 10


Recruiting matters in college football. That may be obvious to some, but there are some out there that don’t believe getting the top five-stars or top talent is a direct correlation to winning and getting championships. That isn’t to say, however, that getting three-stars can’t be just as good, especially if developed well.

Ohio State has plenty of experience with it though. Some recent names such as Darron Lee, Pat Elflein, Malik Hooker, and Michael Thomas, to name a few, were all three-stars that ended up being stars not only for Ohio State, but have had success at the next level as well. Thomas has become one of the NFL’s most dangerous wide receivers, while Hooker was playing very well before an injury ended his season.

So as National Signing Day comes to a close, remember that the rankings do matter, but development is just as important. How that talent is used is crucial, and can be the difference between contending for a national championship and simply not.

“But with TCU losing 13 starters, the Horned Frogs don’t appear to have nearly as much talent returning as Ohio State has in the pipeline this year. In particular, the Horned Frogs could have their hands full moving the football with a new quarterback and an inexperienced offensive line trying to slow down the Silver Bullets.”

- Austin Ward, Land of 10


The start of the college football season is still a long way away, but it’s never too early to start breaking down some of the future opponents the Buckeyes will be facing. And the big nonconference game for Urban Meyer’s squad is going to be against TCU and Gary Patterson. The Horned Frogs had a decent showing in 2017, but lose a lot of starters heading into the new season. Patterson has been a well-respected coach and is known for his impressive defenses, despite being in an offense-driven conference. He’s had a couple of teams that made noise toward a national title run; including with players like Andy Dalton and Trevone Boykin.

But with Kenny Hill gone after this past season, the Horned Frogs will need to find a new quarterback. Ohio State will be in a transition at the signal-caller role as well, with J.T. Barrett graduating. The Buckeyes, however, are a little better suited to make the transition with Dwayne Haskins already proving himself capable on a big stage against Michigan and in relief of Barrett. Should Ohio State choose to go with Tate Martell, then it will be interesting nonetheless to see how those two quarterbacks would fare against a defense of Patterson’s.

“[College basketball power rankings] 16. Ohio State”

- Jeff Borzello, ESPN


Ohio State basketball moved up to the 14th spot in the latest AP Poll, but ESPN’s power rankings have them at 16th overall. Still not a bad spot, all things considered. And of course with the Purdue game looming, it will be interesting to see how Chris Holtmann’s team responds to such a challenge.

The last time the Buckeyes played a ranked team was against top-ranked Michigan State, which Ohio State took care of at home. Wednesday’s game against the Boilermakers isn’t the only task ahead, though. The Buckeyes have to play a tough Iowa team and then head on the road to play Penn State and Michigan.

The Buckeyes beat the Wolverines last time that they played, and took care of business against the Hawkeyes. The Nittany Lions, however, upset Ohio State in Columbus on a buzzer beater and have been hot in recent weeks.

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BTN Robbie Hummel previews No. 14 Ohio State at No. 3 Purdue on BTN/BTN2Go

Robbie Hummel previews No. 14 Ohio State at No. 3 Purdue on BTN/BTN2Go
Brent Yarina, BTN.com Senior Editor via Big Ten Network

We're hours away from the No. 14 Ohio State at No. 3 Purdue battle for first place at 8:30 p.m. ET Wednesday on BTN/BTN2Go. To preview the highly anticipated matchup, I sat down with former Purdue star and current BTN analyst Robbie Hummel.

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Google Buckeyes bracing for Big Ten battle with Boilermakers - 247Sports

Buckeyes bracing for Big Ten battle with Boilermakers - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes bracing for Big Ten battle with Boilermakers
247Sports
7, Buckeye fans have been anxiously awaiting Wednesday's showdown as the 14th-ranked Buckeyes visit No. 3 Purdue at Mackey Arena (8:30 p.m., Big Ten Network). Purdue (23-2, 12-0) leads Ohio State (20-5, 11-1) by one game in the Big Ten standings ...
Big Ten Basketball: Ohio State Buckeyes at Purdue Boilermakers4Flush.com
Scouting Purdue basketball vs. Ohio StateJournal & Courier
Beindit's Breakdown: What Does Purdue Need To Do This Week?BT Powerhouse (blog)
Big Ten Conference -The Athletic
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