Following a de-commitment from Alabama, Ohio State has reclaimed the No. 1 spot for the 2025 recruiting class. With 24 commits, the Buckeyes (310.88) now lead the Crimson Tide (304.41) by several points. However, Ryan Day and his staff can’t solely depend on other schools’ losses to secure the top class. Fortunately, Ohio State is still in contention for several high-profile recruits this cycle.
Here are some of the key players the Buckeyes are targeting to bolster their top-ranked class, listed in no particular order:
David Sanders Jr. – OT, North Carolina
Although the list is not ranked, five-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr. stands out as a clear top priority. The No. 1 offensive tackle and No. 2 overall recruit according to the 247Sports Composite, Sanders could elevate Ohio State’s class from impressive to exceptional. The North Carolina native is set to announce his commitment on August 17 and will decide between Ohio State, Georgia, Nebraska, and Tennessee, with the Buckeyes and Volunteers currently leading the pack.
Josh Petty – OT, Georgia
After a period of relative quiet, Ohio State is reportedly intensifying its efforts to recruit offensive tackle Josh Petty from Georgia. Ranked as the No. 5 offensive tackle and No. 37 overall recruit by the 247Sports Composite, Petty’s top five schools include Ohio State, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Stanford, and Tennessee. While Florida State has long been considered the front runner, the Buckeyes may have made significant strides to become a serious contender ahead of Petty’s decision on August 12.
Jayvon McFadden – IOL, Maryland
Completing the list of offensive line targets, McFadden is another key prospect Ohio State is pursuing, this time for the interior line. Ranked as the No. 28 interior offensive lineman and the No. 13 player from Maryland in the 247Sports Composite, McFadden visited Columbus in early June. Around that time, Ohio State emerged as the frontrunner for his commitment according to On3 RPM, but there has been little new information since. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound lineman has not yet set a timeline for his decision.
Anthony Rogers – RB, Alabama (Committed to Alabama)
One of the two committed prospects on this list, Rogers is currently part of Alabama’s 2025 class. The 5-foot-8, 190-pound running back, known as ‘Turbo,’ is ranked as the No. 6 running back and No. 111 overall player by the 247Sports Composite. He received an offer from Carlos Locklyn in April and visited Columbus at the end of May, with the possibility of returning for an official visit this fall. Although it will be challenging to recruit him away from the Crimson Tide, Nick Saban’s retirement could give Ohio State a legitimate shot at adding a third standout running back to their class.
**Jerome Myles – WR, Utah**
Having just received an official offer from Ohio State this past Thursday, Myles is an intriguing prospect to watch this cycle. A five-star recruit according to 247Sports, the Utah native is ranked as the No. 5 wide receiver and No. 30 player nationally. While the in-state Utes and Texas A&M have been considered the frontrunners, Brian Hartline’s involvement adds an interesting dynamic. The Buckeyes have some catching up to do, but a visit this fall could make Hartline a serious contender in this recruitment.
**Phillip Bell – WR, California**
Bell has long been seen as Ohio State’s top remaining wide receiver target. Standing 6-foot-2, the California native is ranked as the No. 17 wide receiver and No. 170 player nationally by 247Sports. The recruitment appears to be a two-team race between Ohio State and USC, with the Trojans currently holding the edge. Bell visited Columbus on June 14 and USC a week later on June 21. No decision timeline has been set yet.
**Preston Bowman – WR, Ohio**
As a third wide receiver target, Bowman has emerged as a late interest for Ohio State. Currently committed to Kentucky, the Pickerington North product is ranked as the No. 38 player in Ohio and No. 142 wide receiver nationally by 247Sports. Ohio State extended an offer on June 23, a day after his commitment to the Wildcats. Having camped with the Buckeyes multiple times, there is clear mutual interest, but Hartline will need to put in significant effort to persuade him to switch commitments.
*Messiah Delhomme – S, Virginia**
As one of the two defensive targets on this list, Delhomme is likely Ohio State’s final defensive back target, with Trey McNutt expected to commit to Oregon. The Buckeyes’ defensive staff, led by Tim Walton and Matt Guerrieri, would like to conclude the 2025 cycle with the Virginia native. The 6-foot-1 safety is ranked as the No. 11 player at his position and No. 115 overall by 247Sports. Ohio State is in Delhomme’s top six along with Alabama, Maryland, Syracuse, Virginia, and Virginia Tech, though no decision timeline has been announced.
*Malik Autry – DT, Alabama (Committed to Auburn)**
Autry is the second committed player on this list, having pledged to Auburn in February 2023. The 6-foot-5.5, 320-pound defensive tackle from Alabama would be a significant addition for Ohio State, as players of his size and talent typically join SEC programs. However, Autry has shown interest in the Buckeyes, and his close friendship with OSU commit Zion Grady could aid their efforts to flip the five-star prospect. Autry is ranked as the No. 4 defensive lineman and No. 29 player nationally by 247Sports.
