The echoes of Ohio State’s triumphant 2024 season still resonate through the hallowed halls of Columbus. The Buckeyes didn’t just play football—they orchestrated a masterpiece, blending raw talent with surgical precision to dominate the college football landscape. But as the confetti settles and the roar of the crowd fades, one burning question lingers: Can Ohio State recreate that same magic heading into 2025?
If history is any indication, Ryan Day and his recruiting juggernaut aren’t just poised to answer that question—they’re ready to shatter expectations. With the 2025 recruiting class already sitting comfortably as the third-best in the nation, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings, the Buckeyes are loading up for another championship run. Yet, there’s a tantalizing twist to this story: two top-100 recruits remain unsigned, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
Meet the Final Pieces of the Puzzle:
The spotlight now shifts to offensive tackle Ty Haywood and edge rusher Zahir Mathis, two elite prospects whose decisions could tilt the balance of power in college football. National Signing Day is looming like a season finale, and Ohio State is determined to add both stars to its already dazzling constellation of talent.
The Zahir Mathis Saga: Will the Buckeyes Reignite the Flame?
If recruiting were a dramatic thriller, Zahir Mathis would be the plot twist no one saw coming. Standing at a towering 6-foot-6 with the kind of athleticism that could make NFL scouts drool, Mathis was once firmly in Ohio State’s grasp. But just two weeks before the early signing period, the Philadelphia phenom pulled a stunner—decommitting and reopening his recruitment.
Plot thickens: Despite this surprising twist, 247Sports still gives Ohio State a jaw-dropping 100% chance of landing him. Yes, you read that right—a perfect score in a game where certainty is as rare as a snow-free winter in Columbus.
However, the Buckeyes aren’t the only ones vying for Mathis’s signature. Maryland, Florida State, and UCLA have all thrown their hats into the ring, turning this into a fierce, multi-state recruiting battle. Mathis, ranked No. 86 nationally, is a four-star prospect with the explosiveness to terrorize quarterbacks for years to come. If he returns to the Buckeye fold, he’ll become the 27th commit in what’s shaping up to be a historic 2025 class.
Ty Haywood: The Missing Piece on the Offensive Front?
While Mathis brings the flash and sizzle, Ty Haywood represents the grit and grind—an offensive tackle with the size, strength, and technique to anchor any offensive line. For Ryan Day, landing Haywood isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. The Buckeyes’ offense thrives on dominance in the trenches, and Haywood fits the mold of a game-changing lineman who could protect future quarterbacks like Tavien St. Clair for seasons to come.
The recruitment battle for Haywood is shrouded in mystery, with programs across the country circling like sharks. Can Ohio State close the deal? National Signing Day will have the answer, and Buckeye Nation will be watching with bated breath.
Where Does Ohio State’s 2025 Class Stand?
With or without Mathis and Haywood, Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class is already a masterpiece in the making. The Buckeyes boast the No. 3 class nationally and reign supreme in the Big Ten, flexing their recruiting muscles like a heavyweight champ.
Headliners to Watch:
- QB Tavien St. Clair (5-star): The crown jewel of the class, St. Clair is a generational talent with the poise of a seasoned veteran. Ranked third nationally, he’s the future face of Ohio State football.
- CB Devin Sanchez (5-star): A lockdown corner with elite speed and instincts, Sanchez is a defensive coordinator’s dream.
The Star-Studded Cast:
- Riley Pettijohn (4-star LB) – A tackling machine with sideline-to-sideline range.
- Quincy Porter (4-star WR) – A dynamic playmaker with game-breaking speed.
- Faheem Delane (4-star S) – A hard-hitting safety who’s not afraid to make his presence felt.
In total, the Buckeyes boast 19 four-star recruits and five three-star gems, creating a roster brimming with talent and depth.
Full 2025 Recruiting Class (So Far):
- QB Tavien St. Clair (5-star) – No. 3 nationally
- CB Devin Sanchez (5-star) – No. 7 nationally
- LB Riley Pettijohn (4-star) – No. 41 nationally
- WR Quincy Porter (4-star) – No. 43 nationally
- S Faheem Delane (4-star) – No. 51 nationally
… and the list goes on, each name a future star waiting to shine under the bright lights of The Shoe.
The Final Verdict:
As National Signing Day approaches, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will Ohio State secure the signatures of Zahir Mathis and Ty Haywood, adding the final brushstrokes to an already masterful recruiting class? Or will rival programs steal the spotlight in a last-minute twist?
One thing’s for sure: Ryan Day and the Buckeyes are relentless, and the nation is about to witness a recruiting showdown worthy of a Hollywood script.
Stay tuned. The saga isn’t over yet.
