Ohio State Recruiting: 2025 commit breakdown
Ohio State has been recruiting at an elite level under Ryan Day‘s watch, and the 2025 class looks to be no different for the Buckeyes.
Less than two months into the new year, the Buckeyes already have commitments from three of the nation’s top 20 recruits in the On3 Industry Ranking and currently hold the nation’s No. 1 class.
In total, the Buckeyes have 12 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.
Ohio State Class Breakdown
Early in the 2025 cycle, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and his staff have gotten busy. Of OSU’s 12 commitments, eight 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. 2 nationally at the position in the On300. 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.
Top Ohio State Offensive Commit: QB Tavien St. Clair
The Buckeyes made a massive initial evaluation on St. Clair, who has blossomed into one of the nation’s top passers after holding just a handful of offers when he committed to OSU.
On3’s Scouting and Rankings team writes this about him as a prospect:
“Pure passer with prototypical physical tools that point to one of the higher developmental upsides among quarterbacks in the 2025 cycle. Measured in at 6-foot-3.5, 210 pounds with a 9.5-inch hand prior to his junior season. Made a considerable jump in development during the off-season between his sophomore and junior years. Has smooth and tight mechanics as a passer. Touts a quick release that is easily replicable. Consistently throws a tight spiral. Mechanical foundation makes him a naturally accurate passer. Off to a strong start to his junior season. Doubles as a solid runner who can pick up yards with his legs when called upon. Functional mobility gives him the ability to extend plays. A three-sport athlete, also playing basketball and baseball. Shows above-the-rim bounce on the hardwood. The degree of improvement from his sophomore to junior years is indicative of an ascending prospect.”
Top Defensive Commit: CB Na’eem Offord
The defensive backfield has been and will be a major priority in this class for OSU, and there are none better in the country than Offord, a top-5 national prospect and the country’s No. 1 cornerback.
Here’s how On3’s Scouting and Rankings team breaks down his game:
“Twitchy, highly coordinated athlete who projects as one of the top defensive back prospects in the 2025 cycle. Has plus stature and length, measuring in at close to 6-foot-1, 180-pounds. Registered as one of the top athletes on the spring camp circuit prior to his junior season. Is a two-way star on Friday nights, making plays on offense as a receiver and ball carrier while doubling as a cornerback. Rarely tested on defense, but shows his considerable athleticism and plus ball skills on offense. Very fluid and surprisingly polished in defensive back drills in the camp setting. Looks to have notable upside at defensive back once he focuses on the position full-time.”