Ohio State Turns Up the Heat on the Recruiting Trail, Targets Top 2028 Talent
Ohio State’s coaching staff isn’t waiting around when it comes to shaping the future of the program. The Buckeyes hit the road hard this week, casting a wide net across key recruiting regions-and they’re not just making noise, they’re making moves. With several new offers going out, the Buckeyes are clearly laying the foundation for future success, and a few names from the 2028 class are already standing out.
Buckeyes Enter the Race for Five-Star Safety Giovanni Tuggle
One of the biggest headlines from the Buckeyes’ southern swing came out of Georgia, where they extended an offer to one of the top defensive backs in the country-Giovanni Tuggle. The Winder-Barrow standout is already turning heads as a five-star safety, and he’s only halfway through his high school career.
At 6-foot, 175 pounds, Tuggle brings a blend of athleticism, instincts, and versatility that has recruiters from coast to coast taking notice. He’s currently ranked as the No. 10 overall player in the 2028 class and the top safety in the nation, according to the 247Sports Composite. That kind of pedigree doesn’t go unnoticed-he’s already sitting on nearly 20 offers from programs like Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Oregon, and Florida.
Ohio State may be a little later to the party, but they’re making up for it with intent. Safeties coach Matt Guerrieri is leading the charge here, and he’s got a strong pitch to make.
After all, it was Guerrieri who helped develop the 2025 Thorpe Award winner, Caleb Downs, into one of the best defensive backs in college football. That kind of recent success in Columbus gives the Buckeyes a compelling case to make with Tuggle: come to Ohio State, and you won’t just play-you’ll thrive.
Big Men in the Trenches: Ohio State Offers DT Prince Che
Staying in Georgia, the Buckeyes also offered another intriguing 2028 prospect: Prince Che, a 6-foot-3, 275-pound defensive tackle who’s just starting to scratch the surface of his potential. While he’s currently unranked in the 247Sports system, that’s more a reflection of the early stage of his recruitment than his talent level. Programs like Florida State, Oklahoma, Maryland, Texas A&M, and Virginia Tech have already jumped in with offers-and now Ohio State is joining the fray.
Che has the kind of size and frame that defensive line coach Larry Johnson loves to work with. He’s got two more years of high school ball to develop, and the Buckeyes are betting big on his upside. Johnson has a proven track record of developing elite interior linemen, and getting Che on campus for a visit could be the first step toward another long-term win in the trenches.
Buckeyes Take a Swing at Miami Commit DeMarcus DeRoche
Ohio State isn’t afraid to go toe-to-toe with other powerhouse programs, and they proved that again by extending an offer to DeMarcus DeRoche, a 2027 athlete currently committed to the Miami Hurricanes.
At 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, DeRoche is a true do-it-all player who lines up on both sides of the ball-and excels wherever he’s asked to play. He’s also a multi-sport athlete, which only adds to his appeal. Ranked No. 231 nationally and the No. 10 athlete in his class per 247Sports, DeRoche is a high-upside prospect with plenty of room to grow.
While flipping a committed player is never easy, Ohio State is playing the long game here. Signing Day for the 2027 class is still a long way off, and the Buckeyes are betting that their consistent presence-and their history of development-can make a difference. Florida has always been a key recruiting ground for Ohio State, and even with changes in staff responsibilities, the Buckeyes are staying aggressive in the Sunshine State.
Special Teams Reinforcements: Buckeyes Add In-State Punter
It’s not just about stars and rankings-sometimes, it’s about filling key roles. That’s exactly what Ohio State did by adding a punter with in-state roots and a proven leg. After spending time at Houston Christian University, Young is now back home and set to punt for the Buckeyes.
He averaged 42.3 yards per punt last season, with a long of 66 yards, and brings valuable experience to a special teams unit that’s clearly a priority for this staff. With both a kicker and punter now in the fold, Ohio State is putting the pieces in place to shore up a crucial third of the game.
Bottom Line: Ohio State’s recruiting machine is humming, and the Buckeyes are making it clear they’re not just thinking about next season-they’re building for the long haul. Whether it’s chasing five-star talent like Giovanni Tuggle, betting on upside with Prince Che, or making a late push for a Miami commit in DeMarcus DeRoche, this staff is attacking the trail with purpose. And if history is any indication, they’re just getting started.