As the Ohio State Buckeyes shift their attention toward the 2027 recruiting cycle, the coaching staff is taking full advantage of the quiet stretch before spring practices begin. With the on-field grind still a few weeks away, the focus has turned to the lifeblood of any elite program - building relationships with the next wave of talent.
And so far? Ohio State is off to a strong start.
The Buckeyes currently boast the No. 3 recruiting class in the country for 2027 - a promising early return, especially with plenty of time left before Signing Day. But as anyone who follows recruiting knows, early momentum is only part of the battle.
The Buckeyes are looking to stack commitments and build a class that can sustain their championship aspirations for years to come.
Now that the coaching staff is largely in place, Ohio State has been able to send assistant coaches on the road to scout and connect with top prospects. One name that’s emerged in recent days is linebacker Jhadyn Nelson - a rising prospect who’s starting to turn heads despite not yet being ranked in the national recruiting services.
Nelson recently announced that Ohio State has made his top three schools, a notable development for a player who’s flying under the radar - at least for now. The Buckeyes’ interest is more than just a courtesy visit. When James Laurinaitis is involved, it’s worth paying attention.
Laurinaitis, a Buckeye legend at linebacker and now a key piece of the defensive coaching staff, has developed a reputation for identifying and molding high-upside talent. If he’s pushing for Nelson, there’s clearly something there.
Laurinaitis knows what elite linebacker play looks like, and he’s not one to chase names - he chases traits. And Nelson, at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, has the kind of frame and athletic profile that can’t be coached.
It’s still early in Nelson’s recruitment, and he hasn’t set a timeline for his final decision. That said, he’ll have every opportunity to raise his stock this fall when the high school season kicks back into gear. If his physical tools translate to production on the field, don’t be surprised to see him shoot up the rankings.
For Ohio State, adding a player like Nelson would be another step in building a class that aligns with their long-term vision. While the transfer portal has become a powerful tool in today’s college football landscape, the Buckeyes have made it clear: they’re still committed to building through high school recruiting. Identifying talent early, developing it in-house, and building continuity - that’s the foundation Ohio State wants to keep laying.
And if Jhadyn Nelson is part of that blueprint, it’s because the Buckeyes see something special - even if the rankings haven’t caught up yet.