As Ohio State's student-athletes gear up for Spring Break, the Buckeyes are squeezing in those crucial spring football practices. With an eye on the 2026 season, the coaching staff is making every session count, both on the field and in recruiting efforts.
Ohio State is seeing positive momentum in recruiting, which could pay dividends in the coming cycles.
Four-Star Running Back Nears Decision
The Buckeyes are in hot pursuit of top talent for their 2027 recruiting class, particularly at the running back position. Carlos Locklyn and his team have been focused on landing their key targets, with David Gabriel Georges being a standout favorite. Ohio State is in a strong position, but they’re wisely keeping multiple options on the table.
Recent updates bring good news from Georgia native Nigel Newkirk. Ranked as the No. 1954 player nationally and 11th best at his position according to 247Sports Composite, Newkirk has narrowed his choices to six schools: Ohio State, Alabama, LSU, Miami, Michigan, and USC.
With such powerhouse programs in the mix, the Buckeyes face stiff competition, but they’ve clearly made a strong impression. Alabama might be leading, but Ohio State aims to get Nigel on campus for a closer look at what they offer.
Five-Star Defensive Back Impressed with Buckeyes
Ohio State's defensive secondary is already seeing success in the 2027 class, but they’re still on the hunt for more cornerbacks. Enter five-star Texas native John Meredith III.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds, Meredith is the No. 2 player nationally and the top cornerback in the country per 247Sports Composite rankings. His talent has drawn offers from every major college, and Ohio State has caught his eye.
The Buckeyes have a strong recruiting presence in Texas, and landing a player of Meredith’s caliber would solidify their class rankings. His top six schools, announced this week, include Ohio State, Alabama, Miami, Notre Dame, Texas, and Texas A&M. With two in-state schools in the mix, the competition is fierce, but every finalist has a shot.
New Talent on the Horizon
Ohio State is continually expanding its recruiting reach, with new names being added to their guest list for spring and summer visits. On June 11, they’ll host Kamieon Compton-Nero, a 6-foot-2, 175-pound athlete from Oklahoma.
Ranked as the No. 88 player nationally and seventh best at his position for the 2028 class, Compton-Nero is already on Ohio State’s radar. While an offer hasn’t been extended yet, his summer visit might be when it happens.
Ohio State's recruiting efforts are in full swing, and these developments highlight their strategic approach to securing top talent for future seasons.