4-star WR Winston Watkins Jr. locks in Ohio State official visit
Ohio State is among the group of schools in the mix for Fort Myers (Fla.) First Baptist four-star wide receiver Winston Watkins Jr.
Since he decommitted from Colorado in November, Watkins has worked through his re-opened recruitment and fielded a bevy of interest. That includes some love from the Buckeyes, and after visiting Columbus earlier this month, he’s locked in an official visit for the weekend of May 31.
Brian Hartline has built a reputation for building wideouts into elite talents that go on to the next level. Watkins could be among the next wave to emerge for the powerhouse Big Ten program.
Watkins was committed to Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes for almost a year, but opted to back off his pledge and start fresh. In his announcement, Watkins said he would not be committing again until the December Signing Period.
“This was a tough decision to make but after long talks with my Dad I have decided to decommit from the University of Colorado and open up my recruitment. Colorado will still be one of my top schools,” Watkins told On3. “I just want to study every college that is recruiting me and continue to pray that I am making the right decision that I feel is best for me & my family on National Signing Day in December of 2024.”
Watkins is the No. 166 overall prospect and No. 19 WR in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 22 player in Florida.
Florida, Ole Miss and Clemson are among the other schools looking to land the 5-foot-9.5, 175-pounder.
Ohio State Class Breakdown
In total, the Buckeyes have 13 commitments already on the board, seven of whom rank among the top 100 nationally and 11 who check in as blue-chip (four- and five-star) recruits.
Early in the 2025 cycle, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and his staff have gotten busy. Of OSU’s 13 commitments, nine are on that side of the ball and four are in the secondary. Ohio State holds commitments from the nation’s top two cornerback recruits — Five-Star Plus+ CB Na’eem Offord and five-star corner Devin Sanchez. Their class also includes top-75 EDGE Zahir Mathis, top-70 cornerback Blake Woodby, four-star EDGE London Merritt, four-star linebacker Tarvos Alford, four-star cornerback DeShawn Stewart and in-state standout linebacker Eli Lee.
On the offensive side, OSU has already locked up its quarterback in the class with elite passer Tavien St. Clair, who ranks No. 4 nationally at the position. He’s joined by Toledo (Ohio) Whitmer four-star offensive tackle Carter Lowe, and four-star wide receiver De’zie Jones.
The Buckeyes picked up Washington (Okla.) four-star tight end Nate Roberts just ahead of kickoff for its 2024 spring game on April 13.