2025 Five-Star Plus+ CB Na’eem Offord commits to Ohio State: ‘I wanted to get coached by the best in college football'

Some of the top programs in college football have been involved in the recruitment of Birmingham (Ala.) Parker Five-Star Plus+ cornerback Na’eem Offord. One of them is Ohio State, who has been working hard to land Offord for roughly a year. 

During that time, Offord built strong connections with cornerbacks/secondary coach Tim Walton and defensive program assistant Gerren DuHart. Those bonds, along with Ohio State contacting him “every day,” played key roles in the 6-foot-1, 180-pound defensive back committing to the Buckeyes during his unofficial visit to Columbus on Saturday. 

“I wanted to get coached by the best DB coach in college football,” Offord told On3. “I know 100% if I do what I’m supposed to with the technique that he’s teaching me, if I do everything he’s telling me to do in the classroom and with my work and life, if I do all of that the right way, I know I’m going to be successful. He’s going to push me to that level to be successful.” 

Offord knew he wanted to be a Buckeye around two weeks ago after speaking with his family. When he first visited Ohio State on July 28, head coach Ryan Day told Offord that his trips to campus would only get better.

Now, Offord will leave Columbus as a member of the Buckeyes’ 2025 recruiting class, which also includes Houston (Texas) North Shore five-star cornerback Devin Sanchez, the No. 2 player at his position in the country. As he returns home, the No. 1 player in Alabama is excited to join one of the most tradition-rich and successful programs in the sport. 

“I’ve been watching them since Ezekiel Elliott was there and I know they had a really good team when Zeke was there,” said Offord, the No. 4 overall prospect and No. 1 cornerback in the 2025 On300. “Ever since then, I’ve been watching them all of the time, every year. I noticed they were having a successful season this year and they were a successful team. Every year, they win more than 10 games. It shows a lot and it shows that you know when the team is hungry for whatever they’re trying to come for and accomplish. They’re trying to win a national championship.” 

Offord is excited to learn from Ohio State’s coaches

Shortly before Offord revealed his college destination, Walton made a visit to his high school earlier this week. He spoke with the five-star about how he can develop him, as well as how he successfully coached other players. 

“We joke from time-to-time, we get serious from time-to-time, we talk about football, we talk about finance and about life,” Offord said. “We also talk about how I can be better outside of football. He knows that I’m going to the league and he’s going to put me in there after developing me.” 

In addition to Walton, DuHart played a large role in Offord’s decision to choose the Big Ten program. The two connected early on in the Buckeyes’ quest for Offord’s pledge. 

“They opened my eyes when they first offered me,” Offord said. “I was the only defensive back in Alabama with an Ohio State offer. That showed a lot. Apparently, they believed that I had potential. Coach DuHart had faith and he believed and he knew for a fact that he could get me out of Alabama.” 

Offord originally did not plan to commit in February. But once the idea came into his head, he grew confident that Ohio State was the right place for him, especially since the Buckeyes’ fans “love” him and reacted positively whenever he posted anything about the program. 

At the moment, the five-star still plans to take his official visits and enjoy the rest of his recruiting process. However, he is locked in to play for Ohio State and Day. 

“We get on the phone from time-to-time,” Offord said about the Buckeyes’ head man. “I’ve seen him in person also. He’s a really good dude. He’s a really cool guy. When we talk, he sees how I’m doing and asks me how life is. He’ll ask me how I’m doing in track. He’s building a relationship with me and trying to make it bigger.”