I don't have a problem with him staying at home and playing football at UK; however, I'll compare the 2 schools (Ohio State and Kentucky)
1. Education: I'll say he can get a quality education at either school if he makes the right academic decision(s) in choosing a major and puts forth and an effort. Advantage: Tie
2. Playing time: If he comes to Ohio State he'll have to compete for playing time. There will be a few very good backs (upperclassmen there) that he will have to compete against. At Kentucky he may even be guaranteed playing a significant amount of time as a freshman. Advantage: Kentucky
3. Coaching: I think both schools have a very good coaching staff. I know Ohio State does and I honestly believe that Kentucky (with Mark Stoops) does too. I have no idea what is personal relationship with either staff is. Stoops is making around $2 per year and could bolt for a higher paying/higher profile position tough. Advantage: Tie
4. Team Goals: Ohio State is in the B1G and always competing for the conference championship and frequently the national championship. Ohio State is practically a lock to get a very good bowl bid every year. Kentucky is a bottom feeder in the SEC East. The SEC East usually has some powerhouse teams and Kentucky is not one of them. The SEC East is down this year and Kentucky is still in last place (as usual). They will never win the SEC East let alone their conference championship. Lat's face it, Kentucky's annual goal is to win at least 6 games so they get a "toilet bowl" bid. Advantage: Ohio State
5. Exposure: Ohio State will have more games on prime time TV. They are a major draw. Kentucky may get some regional games when they play a big time opponent (like Alabama. LSU, Georgia, Florida, etc.) Advantage: Ohio State
6. Fan Support: Ohio State plays in front of 105K+ for every home game. It is the undisputed #1 college sport/team in Ohio. The atmosphere in the stadium can really be electric:
At the university of Kentucky, football is just something to occupy your time with until basketball season starts. Kentucky doesn't usually sell out a 65K+ capacity stadium for it's home games:
Advantage: Ohio State
7. Close To Home: I never have a problem with an athlete choosing his home state school. I'm sure it is the school most of his family and friends are encouraging him to go to. It's probably the school they have been routing for all their lives. The local school makes it easier for them to go see him play too. Advantage: Kentucky
8. Bonus perk: Maybe he will have an in to get complimentary school basketball tickets or at least some good seats in the student section at the "student price". Now the Kentucky basketball games do sell out. Advantage: Kentucky