Spring Practice Commences with Top Prospects Visiting Ohio State
The onset of spring practice signals a flurry of activities at 
, as a lineup of the nation’s most promising talents prepares to descend upon Columbus for recruitment tours. Prior to the official visits, the Buckeyes have sustained a positive streak in their recruiting efforts, a trend that persisted over the weekend with three prominent figures naming the program among their preferred choices.
Kicking off the excitement, Ohio State received a significant boost on Saturday upon discovering its inclusion in the shortlist of the country’s top offensive tackle, David Sanders Jr. Ranked as the second-best player overall in the 2025 class, Sanders earmarked the Buckeyes among his final six selections, alongside powerhouse programs such as Alabama, Clemson, and Georgia. Hailing from North Carolina, the versatile five-star athlete has garnered over 40 scholarship offers, showcasing his prowess not only on the gridiron but also on the basketball court and in track and field events like shot put and discus throws. Sanders’ deliberate narrowing down of options underscores his earnest approach to the recruitment process, a move that undoubtedly resonates with position coach Justin Frye.
Reflecting on his decision to include Ohio State in his elite circle, Sanders lauded the program’s relentless efforts in fostering a strong rapport despite the geographical distance. While acknowledging the allure of local SEC and ACC institutions, Sanders expressed admiration for Ohio State’s track record in developing top-tier offensive linemen, a factor that weighs heavily in his deliberations.
In a parallel development, another promising prospect, four-star interior offensive lineman Kaden Strayhorn, also spotlighted Ohio State among his top choices. The Michigan native, now honing his skills at IMG Academy in Florida, brings a blend of size and agility to the table, drawing interest from a host of prestigious programs including Alabama, Georgia, and Michigan. With a keen eye on the program’s coaching philosophy, player development, and NFL track record, Strayhorn’s meticulous approach to his selection process underscores his commitment to finding the ideal collegiate fit.
Shifting focus to the defensive end, Ohio State secured a coveted spot in the top schools list of four-star linebacker Elijah Barnes from Texas. Ranked as the 14th best linebacker nationally, Barnes’ stellar performance on the field has not gone unnoticed, with his inclusion of the Buckeyes in his final 10 underscoring the program’s growing appeal. Despite never having visited Columbus in person, Barnes’ decision to prioritize Ohio State speaks volumes about the coaching staff’s persuasive efforts and the allure of donning the Scarlet and Gray.
Recruitment Updates
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Amidst the spring camp preparations, Ohio State is proactively organizing official visits for the upcoming summer months. Notably, four-star running back Marquiss Davis is scheduled to visit the campus on June 7, reflecting the program’s proactive approach in engaging top-tier talents. Davis, a standout Ohio native, holds a prominent position as the 13th best running back in the nation for the 2025 class, further solidifying Ohio State’s commitment to securing local talent.
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In a separate development, Ohio State’s wide receiver commit, Jayvan Boggs, showcased his skills at the Under Armour Next camp, garnering praise and recognition for his standout performance. Boggs’ impressive display at the event reaffirms his status as a rising star in the 2025 class, hinting at a promising trajectory as he continues to hone his craft under the Buckeyes’ tutelage.