This late into the current recruiting cycle it’s not super common to see new offers being dished out, but the Buckeyes have done so a few times now, mainly with in-state players.
The latest coming this week, Ohio State stayed closed to home by offering Westerville North product Damion King. Taking to his social media to share the news, the Buckeyes and Larry Johnson have taken notice of what has been one of the more productive players in Ohio this season.
A 6-foot-3, 230 pound edge rusher, King through
eight games has put up video games numbers, including 60 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and 20 tackles for loss. Numbers that would turn anyone’s head, Ohio State is seeing the production and felt led to offer the current Appalachain State commitment hoping to change his mind and keep him closer to home.
Now at 15 offers to his name, the Buckeyes are the biggest on his list, but that doesn’t mean he can’t play at their level. The No. 1638 player nationally and the 122nd best edge rusher per the 247Sports Composite, King is an under the radar recruit based on his ranking compared to what Ohio State typically brings in, but his abilities and senior season are showing the caliber of player he is.
When an in-state prospect committed to a smaller school hears from the Buckeyes, it does typically end in a recruitment the staff is able to make up ground for, and that will be the plan moving forward. Spots still up for grabs in the 2027 cycle, the Buckeyes have shifted focus on Ohio based players down the stretch, and multiple scenarios look good for these kids staying close to home when all is said and done.
2029 OL impressed with Ohio State visit
The lone home game for the month of October coming last Saturday against Maryland, the Buckeyes used that opportunity to play host to several top recruits from all over the country. Big names heading to campus to see what the Buckeyes have to offer, reports following the weekend showed Ohio State was able to leave lasting impressions on several of the top targets that made the trek.
Looking ahead to the 2029 class, the Buckeyes were able to host Landon Ghea. Following his visit, Ghea said, “Ohio State is one of the top teams in my recruitment.”
A 6-foot-5, 275 pound offensive lineman, Ghea is already looked at as one of the better players in his class and slotted as the No. 25 player nationally and the top interior lineman per the 247Sports rankings.
Making the trek from Georgia, this visit shows the mutual interest from both sides, but it’s his post-visit words that excite you the most when you think of Ohio State’s chances moving forward. Just a high school sophomore, this recruitment has plenty of time before decisions are made, but sticking out and making an impression for one of the premier players in the 2029 class is exactly where you want the Buckeyes to be.
Quick Hits
Always an eye-catching post, on Wednesday Hayes Fawcett took to X to share a cryptic pro-Ohio State message, and usually that means a commitment is coming.
Mutliple names to choose from in the 2027 class such as James Conrad and Jordan Hall, stay tuned for what very well could be a BOOM for the Buckeyes.
Yet another player who came away from last weekend’s visit feeling the positive vibes surrounding Ohio State’s program, Arizona native Keaton Fields had a change of plans and was able to see the Buckeyes up close and personal against Maryland.
A 6-foot-3, 185 pound cornerback in the 2028 class, Fields is the No. 14 player nationally and second best at his position per the 247Sports Composite.
