Ohio State football has long prided itself on owning the recruiting landscape in its home state. The Buckeyes’ ability to consistently lock down top in-state talent has been a foundational pillar of their success. When it comes to high-level prospects from Ohio, especially four-star or five-star recruits, it’s usually assumed they’ll end up in Columbus. But the 2025 cycle is challenging that assumption in a big way.
Ohio State had every expectation of defeating Miami and USC for a four-star in-state running back. On paper, it should’ve been a routine win for the Buckeyes—an elite local talent being courted by a national powerhouse with a clear path to the NFL and deep historical roots in the region. But given what has happened over the past few weeks, that expectation is now looking doubtful—maybe even unattainable.
The Recruiting Landscape Has Changed
The name of the recruit in question hasn’t yet made headlines in every outlet, but those following the recruiting trail closely know who he is: an explosive, shifty back with vision, balance, and elite top-end speed. He’s the kind of player who could make an immediate impact in any Power Five backfield. And he’s from Ohio. For years, that kind of profile practically guaranteed a commitment to the Buckeyes. But 2025 is a different beast.
College football recruiting is no longer a regional game. The emergence of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, the influence of social media, and the rise of new power programs have made traditional recruiting pipelines more fragile than ever. Schools like Miami and USC—once considered too distant or disconnected from Midwest talent—are now viable competitors for any prospect, regardless of geography.
How Did This Happen?
Ohio State’s confidence in securing this particular commitment came from years of relationship-building, numerous unofficial visits, and an offense built to feature running backs at a high level. The running back in question even grew up watching Ohio State, idolizing former Buckeye backs like J.K. Dobbins and Ezekiel Elliott. All signs pointed to Columbus.
But the tide began to shift during the spring of 2025. First, the running back took an unexpected visit to Miami. Then came another to USC. Not long after those visits, he canceled a planned return to Ohio State’s spring game. While these moves weren’t definitive, they raised red flags. Buckeye insiders noted the growing presence of Miami coaches in conversations, and word quickly spread that USC had made a major impression.
Sources close to the recruitment say both Miami and USC have pitched more than just playing time and program prestige—they’re offering real NIL opportunities and a tailored, individualized approach to development and branding. For today’s top athletes, that matters more than ever.
The NIL Factor
It would be naïve to ignore the role of NIL in this recruitment. Miami, with its high-profile boosters and strategic NIL partnerships, has become a serious player for top national talent. The Hurricanes have used their South Beach allure and financial backing to close gaps that used to be too wide. USC, backed by Los Angeles’ media market and aggressive NIL collectives, offers a similarly powerful pitch.
Ohio State is no stranger to NIL—they’ve done well in that space—but there’s a growing sentiment that the Buckeyes may be too reliant on tradition and brand alone. In the current climate, that’s no longer enough.
The four-star running back’s recruitment serves as a warning sign. In today’s era, schools that embrace innovation and adapt to shifting priorities will win battles that would’ve been unthinkable a decade ago.
The Cost of Losing an In-State Star
If Ohio State does ultimately lose this in-state running back, the implications will be significant. For one, it could shake the Buckeyes’ confidence in their in-state dominance. Losing a national recruit from Florida or Texas is one thing. Losing a kid from your backyard—one who grew up wearing your colors—is another.
Beyond that, it raises questions about roster construction. Ohio State’s running back room is deep, but it lacks long-term security. Current starters may declare early for the draft. Depth pieces may transfer. Not securing elite replacements can have ripple effects for multiple seasons.
Perhaps more importantly, it sends a message to other recruits in Ohio and surrounding states: you don’t have to go to Ohio State. That perception, if it grows, could erode a legacy that’s taken decades to build.
What Comes Next for the Buckeyes?
Ryan Day and his staff are not out of this battle yet, but they are clearly playing from behind. If they hope to win this recruitment—or at the very least, stop the bleeding—they’ll need to recalibrate their strategy. That means putting NIL at the forefront of their pitch, reigniting personal relationships, and offering a compelling vision for early playing time and professional development.
They’ll also need to reestablish trust in the fanbase. Buckeye Nation is passionate, informed, and at times unforgiving. Losing a prized in-state prospect will bring criticism, and how the staff handles that pressure could set the tone for the rest of the cycle.
The Bigger Picture
The recruitment of a single player rarely defines an entire program, but some cases carry symbolic weight. This four-star running back represents more than just a potential future star—he represents the new landscape of college football recruiting. A landscape where geography doesn’t guarantee loyalty, tradition doesn’t ensure success, and every school in America is a phone call or a plane ride away from your most promising prospect.
For Ohio State, this situation underscores the need for constant evolution. The Buckeyes are still a national powerhouse. They still pull top-five classes. They still develop NFL talent year after year. But the margin for error is shrinking. Programs like Miami and USC are coming—fast, aggressive, and unafraid.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call in Columbus
Whether or not Ohio State manages to flip the trajectory of this recruitment, the message is clear: the days of automatic wins on the trail—especially for in-state talent—are over. If the Buckeyes want to maintain their place atop the Big Ten and in the national conversation, they’ll have to fight harder, adapt quicker, and compete with more than just tradition.
This is no longer just about getting a four-star running back from Ohio. It’s about how Ohio State responds to the changing dynamics of college football recruiting—and whether it can continue to lead in an era that demands more than ever before.
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