Ohio State has given fans plenty of new names to keep an eye on in both the 2027 and 2028 classes. This week being no different for the coaches, the Buckeyes are now officially in the running for class of 2028 offensive tackle, Mataio Fano (Orem, Utah/Orem).
Taking to his social media to share the latest news, Fano is the No. 75 player nationally and the No. 10 player at his position per the 247Sports Composite. At 6-foot-5, 235 pounds, Taio has the measurables as well as the recent lineage to be
a dominant player at the next level if he continues to develop.
The younger brother to Spencer Fano, who of course was just taken in the first round of the NFL Draft this year, the family has deep roots for what it takes to play and Taio is next in line.
With 20-plus schools already taking notice, Ohio State joins the likes of Alabama, Miami, Michigan, Oklahoma, Oregon, USC, and more. From here, look for Tyler Bowen to get right to business when it comes to pitching Columbus, Ohio to Fano. Selling the proximity to his older brother now in Cleveland cannot hurt either.
Bowen has been impressive on the trail this cycle, and has no plans of stopping when it comes to pursing the best talent 2028 has to offer.
Several more offers go out on Wednesday
The beat goes on with scholarship offers being the buzz, and Wednesday saw multiple new ones get dished out.
Making their way all over the country, Ohio State’s coaching staff is motivated to find the top players they can for the current and upcoming classes, and that includes newly evaluated targets.
Here’s a rundown on some of the latest…
Nikolas Stevens
Heading back to a familiar program, Ohio State offered Maryland native, Nikolas Stevens. A class of 2028 defensive line prospect, Stevens is 6-foot-3, 285 pounds and holds offers from the likes of Colorado, LSU, Maryland, Miami, Tennessee, and now the Buckeyes.
The same DeMatha Catholic program that developed Chase Young, the Buckeyes are looking to strike gold once again, and using their previous success with the prep powerhouse is a solid way to start.
Marcus Jones
Next on the list, the Buckeyes made their way into Pennsylvania once again by offering 2027 defensive back target, Marcus Jones. A 6-foot-3, 190 pound safety, Jones is the No. 269 player nationally and the 26th best safety per the 247Sports Composite.
An impressive offer list to his name as well, nearly 20 schools beat Ohio State to the punch, but being uncommitted this late into the cycle means the Buckeyes can make up for lost time one would assume.
Michigan, North Carolina, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and more worth noting, Ohio State arguably becomes his biggest offer. With multiple players at the position already committed in 2027, if Jones wants in, he may need to speed along the process.
Xevien Brinson
Moving to the offensive side of the ball, tight ends coach Keenan Bailey has a new name worth watching as he offered Georgia native, Xevien Brinson on Wednesday. An impressive 6-foot-6, 235 pound athlete, Brinson is the No. 85 player nationally and the third best tight end in the 2028 class per the 247Sports Composite.
Offers from every major program as you’d expect with his four-star status, Ohio State will have to battle the likes of Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, and several others if they land his pledge. Plenty of time before he decides, the next matter of business is getting him to Columbus to see all the Buckeyes have to offer.
Samiu Taukiuvea
One more for good measure, Utah native offensive tackle target Samiu Taukiuvea was the next in line to hear the good news from the Buckeyes. Making a heavy effort on the West Coast as of late, Taukiuvea is one of a couple Utah players that Ohio State and Tyler Bowen are keeping a close eye on.
A 6-foot-5, 270 pound athlete, Samiu is the No. 109 player nationally and 14th best tackle in the 2028 class per the 247Sports Composite. Like the others before him, he too has nearly 20 offers to his name from the likes of Colorado, Oregon, Penn State, Utah, and plenty of others as well.
Quick Hits
The new offers attracting most of the attention on Wednesday, Ohio State has plenty of other moves gaining some steam right now. On3’s Steve Wiltfong has cast his predictions in favor of multiple players ending up in Columbus.
Three players included, Ohio State seems to be trending well for five-star defensive lineman Marcus Fakatou, four-star linebacker Prince Goldsby, and four-star defensive back Deontay Malone.
All purely predictions right now, it does mean the Buckeyes are doing a stellar job on the trail ahead of what will be a major recruiting opportunity the entire month of June with big time visit weekends taking place.
Ohio State took a trip on Wednesday to Springboro High School for defensive line prospect, Carter Napier. An in-state product, Napier is a three-star interior lineman and ranked as the No. 1104 player nationally and the 123rd best defensive lineman in the 2027 class per the 247Sports Composite.
No offer extended from the Buckeyes yet, Napier does have 20-plus schools already on his list. The type of recruitment that could see him camp this coming summer, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Carter earn an offer while competing in front of the coaching staff.
