Monday marked the commencement of another active week for the coaching staff on the recruiting circuit. The upcoming Saturday holds the program’s annual spring game, triggering one of the most hectic recruiting periods for the Buckeyes. This year’s scrimmage is set to garner unprecedented attention as it will be the inaugural spring game broadcasted live on national television via FOX.
With the focus shifting towards the current roster of Buckeyes and the outcome of position battles, recruiting remains a top priority for Ohio State this week. The week kicked off with the Buckeyes securing spots on multiple top schools lists for some of the country’s most talented prospects.
A significant development on Monday was Ohio State’s inclusion in the top eight schools for five-star safety, Trey McNutt, a Cleveland, Ohio native hailing from Shaker Heights. Alongside Michigan, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Oregon, Texas A&M, and USC, McNutt considers the Buckeyes among his top choices.
As the son of former Ohio State cornerback Richard McNutt, the highly-touted prospect has a longstanding connection with the Buckeyes. Having made several visits to Ohio State, including multiple trips this spring, McNutt has been leaning towards Ohio State as a favorite throughout his recruitment process.
Despite the favoritism towards Ohio State, McNutt intends to thoroughly evaluate his options to make the best decision for his future. Expected to take official visits to select finalists, Ohio State is poised to receive one of those visits.
Ranked as the top safety in the 247Sports Composite and the 26th overall prospect, McNutt’s addition would significantly bolster an already impressive recruiting class for the Buckeyes, which includes commitments from standout cornerbacks Devin Sanchez, Na’’eem Offord, and Blake Woody, along with safety DeShawn Stewart and the highly-regarded safety Faheem Delane.
Ohio State Secures Spot in Four-Star LB’s Selection
Ohio State’s presence was not limited to one top schools list on Monday, as the Buckeyes were also named among the top seven schools by 2025 four-star linebacker, Emmanuel Karmo from Robbinsdale Cooper in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
In addition to Ohio State, Karmo’s list includes Oregon, Wisconsin, Penn State, Minnesota, Nebraska, and USC. Given that all seven finalists are part of the Big Ten conference, his commitment holds significant weight for the future.
Receiving an offer from Ohio State in late January after a visit from the Buckeyes’ staff to Minnesota, Karmo is yet to visit Columbus. However, it is imperative for Ohio State to arrange a visit for him in some capacity to solidify their chances of securing his commitment.
Ranked as the 42nd linebacker in the 247Sports Composite and the 374th overall prospect, Karmo also holds the distinction of being the top recruit from Minnesota.
In Brief
- Ohio State extended an offer to 2026 running back Javian Osborne from Forney, Texas. While Osborne’s star ranking is pending from 247Sports, he is regarded as the second-best running back by On3 and the 30th overall prospect. Rivals ranks him as the 11th RB and the 143rd overall prospect.
Ohio State is set to host numerous recruits during the upcoming spring game weekend. Some of the recruits who confirmed their attendance plans via social media on Monday include:
-
Four-star RB Byron Lewis
- Class: 2025
- Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, FL / American Heritage
- Size: 5-foot-11, 200 lbs.
-
RB Shahn Alston
- Class: 2026
- Size: 5-foot-10, 2-5 lbs.
- Hometown: Painesville, OH / Harvey
-
TE Anthony Cartwright
- Class: 2027
- Size: 6-foot-4, 198 lbs.
- Hometown: Franklin, MI / Detroit Country Day
-
CB Braylon Edwards
- Class: 2026
- Hometown: Duncanville, TX / Duncanville
- Size: 5-foot-10, 160 lbs.
-
Edge Caden Turner
- Class: 2026
- Homewtown: Ironton, OH
- Size: 6-foot-5, 225 lbs.