One important game for Ohio State safety commit Jaylen McClain

COLUMBUS — Ohio State is preparing for its own season to start as it’s going through its yearly preseason training camp.

The same goes for the Buckeyes’ commits, who were already entrenched with preseason activities before their future program started.

Lettermen Row is going to look at one important game for all 20 prospects in the 2024 class and for 2025 quarterback commit Tavien St. Clair, and 2026 wide receiver commit Chris Henry Jr.

We look at four-star West Orange (N.J.) Seton Hall Prep safety Jaylen McClain.

Redemption

It was a tough season last fall for Seton Hall Prep. The Pirates went an even 6-6 but that’s highlighted by two dominant playoff wins before a 48-14 loss in the third round.

A majority of the talent from last season returns which means experience all around the board and plenty of opportunities to find more ways to win more games. The most important games are the conference games, however, and Seton Hall didn’t win a single one last year.

That is why McClain’s conference opener against Bergen Catholic on Sept. 16 is arguably the most important game of his senior season. It’s a tone-setter for a gauntlet of a schedule and there are some ghosts surrounding that game. Last fall the Pirates lost 35-14 to Bergen Catholic. The future Ohio State safety had five tackles — four solos — and a sack in the loss.

McClain is the only safety committed to Ohio State at this current juncture. The Buckeyes were in the picture for a few names throughout the summer, but ultimately couldn’t land the commitments.

Ohio State is in the middle of a board shuffle and reprioritization of its next wave of safety targets.

One safety the Buckeyes don’t have to worry about is Jaylen McClain. He’s locked in and ready to begin his senior season.