Ohio State already has a strong foundation in place for its 2027 recruiting class, with nine commits locked in and a headliner at the most important position on the field. Four-star quarterback Brady Edmunds is already in the fold, and his early commitment gave Ryan Day and the Buckeyes some breathing room at the top of their board. But in today’s recruiting landscape, where things can shift quickly, there’s no such thing as standing pat-especially at quarterback.
Enter Champ Monds.
The talented four-star quarterback out of Vero Beach, Florida, is beginning to make serious noise on the recruiting trail, and Ohio State is firmly in the mix. Monds, whose full name is Wonderful Champ Monds IV, has already scheduled a visit to Columbus for April 4, part of a busy spring tour that includes stops at Notre Dame, Miami, Florida State, and Florida.
This isn’t just another name on the board. Monds is a top-20 quarterback nationally in the 2027 class, sitting at No. 17 in the 247Sports Composite rankings and No. 254 overall. With more than 30 scholarship offers to his name, he’s clearly a coveted prospect-and the kind of player who could push for early playing time wherever he lands.
For Ohio State, the visit is significant. While Edmunds remains committed and has publicly reaffirmed his pledge to the Buckeyes, he did raise a few eyebrows recently when he made an appearance at UCLA’s Junior Day. That doesn’t necessarily mean he’s wavering, but it’s a reminder of how fluid the recruiting process can be-even with early commitments.
That’s why Ryan Day and his staff are keeping their options open. Recruiting two quarterbacks in a class isn’t unheard of, especially when you consider the transfer portal’s impact on roster management. Depth at quarterback is no longer a luxury-it’s a necessity.
Monds brings a dynamic skill set to the table. He’s a dual-threat playmaker with the kind of arm talent and athleticism that fits well in modern college offenses.
His ability to extend plays, make throws on the move, and keep defenses honest with his legs makes him an intriguing fit for Ohio State’s system. And if his visit goes well, the Buckeyes could find themselves in a strong position to land another top-tier quarterback.
It’s worth noting that Monds’ list of visits includes some major programs with strong recent quarterback histories. Florida State is surging on the trail, Miami is always a player for in-state talent, and Notre Dame has been aggressive in its pursuit of top-tier QBs.
Florida, too, remains a wildcard. But Ohio State has a chance to make a serious impression when Monds steps on campus in April.
For now, the Buckeyes are in a good spot. They’ve got their guy in Edmunds, but they’re not closing the book on the 2027 quarterback class just yet. With Monds on the radar and set to visit soon, Ohio State is playing it smart-keeping the door open, evaluating all options, and making sure they’re covered in a position that can define a recruiting class.
April 4 could end up being a pivotal date in that process.