The Inside Scoop: Two teams have risen to the top for 5-star Keon Keeley

When five-star Tampa (Fla.) Berkeley EDGE Keon Keeley decommitted from Notre Dame in August, three teams jumped to the front of the race: Alabama, Florida and Ohio State.

At the time, the Buckeyes were thought to be running in third, with Alabama out in front and Florida not too far behind. But after two visits in the past three weeks, including an unofficial visit this past weekend, Ohio State has cemented itself as a very legitimate contender to land the nation’s No. 1 EDGE.

“That traction is not slowing down, based on what I’m hearing. A great source said it was an ‘excellent visit to Ohio State,” On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons said Monday during the Inside Scoop recruiting show. “Up there with the family, Keon spent time with other recruits, some players at Ohio State, and of course he spent a good of time with Larry Johnson, the defensive line coach there under Ryan Day. And that’s the key here. Larry Johnson, his history and resume, they’re comparing to Chase Young. Can he be the next No. 1 pick on the defensive front to come out of Ohio State?

…Based on what I’m hearing, Keon really likes what he hears. He’s buying what Johnson is saying and what Ryan Day is saying, and the family is as well.”

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Ohio State rising, Florida falling back with Keon Keeley

What was a three-team race now is shaping up to a battle between the SEC and Big Ten’s premier programs over the past decade. Keeley visited the Crimson Tide in late July unofficially before backing off his Notre Dame pledge.

He’s set to return to Tuscaloosa in two weeks when Alabama hosts Texas A&M, and a decision could come not too far after that.

And while the Buckeyes have made a massive impression on Keeley, Simmons adds that nothing is likely imminent with his decision.

“One source close to this told me it’s 50-50 right now at best between Alabama and Ohio State, not Florida,” he added. “So the in-state school seems to be losing some traction, and I would probably if I had to give one school the edge I’d lean toward Ohio State. But again, he’s been there twice. He has the Alabama official visit coming up early next month, and I don’t think any decision will be made until he takes that OV to Alabama.”

The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) currently gives Alabama a 52.4 percent chance of securing his commitment, with the Buckeyes not fat behind at 25.4%.