Four Recruiting Goals for Ohio State for Spring Football
As Ohio State enters spring football, recruiting remains a top priority. The Buckeyes’ staff, led by Ryan Day, understands that securing top talent early can be the difference between a national championship and another playoff disappointment. Here are four key recruiting goals they must achieve this spring:
1. Dominate In-State Talent
Ohio is a powerhouse for high school football, yet Ohio State has lost key in-state recruits in recent years to rivals like Michigan and even SEC programs. Players like five-star defensive end Justin Calloway from Cincinnati and four-star offensive lineman Marcus Traylor from Cleveland are must-get targets. If Ohio State fails to lock down its home turf, it risks allowing Michigan to continue its momentum after recent victories.
2. Secure a Five-Star Quarterback
Quarterback play defines championships. After C.J. Stroud’s departure, Ohio State has struggled to find its next elite signal-caller. Dylan Raiola was a near miss in 2024, and with NIL money swirling, five-star quarterbacks are harder to secure. The Buckeyes must land Julian Marks, a California prodigy with a rocket arm and elite football IQ, or risk falling behind programs like Alabama and Georgia.
3. Win the NIL Battle
Ohio State’s traditional recruiting pitch—historic success, NFL development, and elite coaching—is no longer enough. Programs like Texas A&M and Miami have embraced NIL deals aggressively, poaching key recruits. The Buckeyes must ensure that their NIL collective, “The Foundation,” is competitive enough to prevent losing five-star athletes purely due to financial incentives. If Ohio State doesn’t adapt, it will struggle to keep up with the changing landscape.
4. Flip a Rival’s Top Recruit
If Ohio State wants to send a message, flipping a major Michigan or Penn State commit would be the ultimate power move. Five-star linebacker Jaden Holloway, currently pledged to the Wolverines, has shown interest in the Buckeyes. A strategic push to steal him would not only strengthen Ohio State but also weaken its biggest rival.
Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class could determine its future. If these four goals are met, the Buckeyes will remain a national powerhouse. If not, they may find themselves watching Michigan celebrate again.
