Ohio State Football: Jacob Oden opens up about visit

Jacob Oden, 2024 4-star prospect per 247 Sports, has created some buzz on the recruiting trail with a pair of visits to the Ohio State football program and Notre Dame last weekend. The 6’1 safety has picked up 24 scholarship offers including several Big Ten schools and the Buckeyes are expected to extend an offer in the near future.

Oden recently talked to me about his trip to Columbus: “I think Ohio State is one of the best programs in the country. They have a good coaching staff and I can’t wait to get back down. I might be back down for a game next year. I think they’ve been successful because they’ve had great coaches with experience and that are smart.”

He visited Ohio State on Friday, April 8.

Oden earned a ton of offers the last couple of months from Arkansas, Cincinnati, Michigan, Michigan State, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, and others. The rising defensive back has high expectations for his junior season at Harper Woods High School after flashing excellent speed, stability, and an ability to adjust to the ball in the air.

“My biggest strength is my size, speed, and also my technique,” Oden told me.

Oden previously said he watches and learns from elite defensive backs like Minkah Fitzpatrick, Derek Stingley Jr, Eli Ricks, and more. The 4-star safety is the 4th highest rated player in Michigan and 130th ranked in the country per 247 Sports. He plans to make a commitment at some point in 2023 and possibly prior to his senior season.