The Buckeyes staff is zeroing in on composite 4-star running back Amari Latimer.
Latimer, a big, power back from the Atlanta metro area, has been committed to Wisconsin since May, but that pledge has been teetering for the past few months. Earlier in the season, it looked like Florida State was in heavy pursuit of Latimer, but over the past few weeks, the Buckeyes staff has turned up the heat, and it appears to be working.
News of the potential flip heated up a couple of weeks ago when Latimer wore Ohio State sleeves during a game.
UPDATE: Ohio State has received another 🔮for RB Amari Latimer this time from Greg Smith! https://t.co/IWWmeAGZa1 pic.twitter.com/7HNn7IIm5z
— SILVER BULLETS R NATIONAL CHAMPS #LLDH7🕊️🥩#BIA (@StrappedByBIA) October 22, 2025
Has Latimer taken an official visit to OSU?
Yes, Latimer was on campus during the weekend of October 4 when the Buckeyes played Minnesota. His only other official visit was to Wisconsin on May 30 and the running back currently has no other officials scheduled.
Latimer has been one of the most productive backs in the country this year. According to MaxPreps, Latimer has rushed for 1,321 yards on 128 carries (10.3 yards per carry) with 26 touchdowns through eight games for Sandy Creek High School. He is also among the leaders on his team in receptions (15) and receiving yards (198).
Sandy Creek HS(GA) RB Amari Latimer rushed for 287 yards and seven touchdowns on 19 carries in a 62-21 victory over WhitewaterHS(GA). Per: GHSF Daily @amarilatimer_
— Bradley Mason (@bradthetruth) October 21, 2025
Where is Ohio State's recruiting class ranked?
According to 247Sports, the Buckeyes 2026 recruiting class is ranked ninth overall with 22 commits. That ranking is good enough for the third-best class in the Big Ten, behind USC and Oregon. Ryan Day and staff are still working on some targets for this class, as well as major targets in the 2027 class.
Latimer would be the second running back in the class. Ohio State already has a commitment from in-state prospect Favour Akih. Ohio State is also trending heavily for one of the top running backs in the Class of 2027, David Gabriel Georges, as the Buckeyes' staff focuses on growing young depth at running back.
There's no timetable for Latimer to make a decision and he hasn't announced any future plans. The Early Signing Period is from December 3 to December 5 and the Buckeyes will sign most, if not all, their recruits during that period.