Ohio State’s push to pry Trae Taylor away from Nebraska appears to be fading fast.
The Buckeyes had been linked to the 2027 quarterback earlier in the cycle, but the latest read on the situation suggests that effort is likely to fall short. Taylor, who started as a four-star recruit before rising to five-star status, has been committed to Nebraska since May of last year, and he remains a tough pull because he’s a Nebraska native.
At this point, Ohio State doesn’t seem to be pressing hard to land Taylor, and it doesn’t look like the Buckeyes are chasing another quarterback with much urgency either. There’s even reason to think the staff has turned its attention back to Brady Edmunds, who is still committed to the program for now. That matters because Edmunds has been looking at the possibility of flipping elsewhere, especially if Ohio State adds another quarterback.
Even if Edmunds stays put, the road to snaps for any 2027 quarterback in Columbus would be steep. Tavien St.
Clair is almost certainly set to take over after this season, while Julian Sayin is likely to head to the NFL after a strong year, which would leave St. Clair waiting for his chance.
That’s part of why Ohio State may be fine standing pat at quarterback in this class. The Buckeyes have bigger priorities elsewhere, and if Edmunds remains committed, they already have the depth piece they need. If they want more help later, the Transfer Portal remains an option once the season ends.
For now, Ohio State has shifted more of its energy toward other targets, including a couple of five-star recruits still on the board. The Buckeyes currently hold the ninth-ranked recruiting class, and they’re also spending plenty of time defending their own commits from other programs as the race toward Signing Day in December continues.
In Other News...
Ohio State Basketball Suddenly Has A Real Shot At Another Five Star
Jake Diebler has already given Ohio State basketball a real jolt on the recruiting trail, landing two five-star prospects in the 2026 class as he keeps pushing to rebuild the programs standing. The next big swing is already in motion, with the Buckeyes firmly in the mix for DeMarcus Henry, one of the most coveted names in the 2027 class and a player whose list of finalists has started to take shape.
Ohio State is among the schools still standing for Henry, alongside a heavy group of national powers that underscores just how competitive this chase will be. For Diebler, the appeal is obvious: another elite addition would deepen the talent base and help keep the momentum going as the Buckeyes try to turn recruiting traction into the kind of postseason relevance the program is aiming for under his leadership. [Read more 🡒]
Jeremiah Smith Is Still Ohio States Biggest Strength And Biggest Concern
Jeremiah Smith has already done enough to be viewed as the top wide receiver in college football, and his 2025 season backed that up in a way few players can match. Pro Football Focus rated him the best receiver in the country, which only sharpened the expectation that Ohio State can keep leaning on him as the centerpiece of its passing game.
The problem is that the Buckeyes are asking Smith to carry a lot while working with a much less experienced group around him in 2026. Much of the pressure now falls on the young receivers behind him to grow up quickly, while Julian Sayin also needs a cleaner, more reliable supporting cast after the disappointing finish to 2025. If that development does not come soon, Ohio State may have to find a different way to build its offense. [Read more 🡒]