Despite top recruiting class, the Ohio State football staff still have work left

The weekend commitment of elite safety Faheem Delane from Maryland pushed the Ohio State football team's recruiting class to the top of 247 Sports’ rankings. Ryan Day and his staff are putting together an exceptional group. Their 95.14 per-player average rating is over one point better than anyone else-LSU is second with just 93.81. But with only 14 commitments so far, Ryan Day and his staff still have work to do. Here are a few key areas of need.

Running Back

Adding Bo Jackson, the third-rated player at this position, is a much-needed commitment. The class did not yet have a running back and was in almost desperate need of one. Right now, the Buckeyes have just four scholarship running backs and there is a good chance this number could dwindle to two by the end of this season if both Tre’Veyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins leave for the NFL.

It is not a matter of if they’ll add another to this class, but when. A few names to keep an eye on are Jordon Davison of California powerhouse Mater Dei and Philadelphia’s Isaiah West. Both have been given Crystal Ball predictions by 247Sports to join the Buckeyes. They are also working to flip Alabama commit Anthony Rogers, who is rated in the top ten.

Offensive Line

Carter Lowe of Toledo, the nation’s 6th ranked tackle, is currently the only offensive line commit. The Buckeyes are working hard to snag a five-star tackle, but do not appear to be the leader for either top-rated David Sanders Jr. or 5th ranked Josh Petty. However, there is still a good chance they could land one (or both) because each will be on campus this month for an official visit.

Recruiting for the interior of the O-line is picking up. Guard Jayvon McFadden of Maryland loved his visit with the Buckeyes so much, he has them at the top of his list. Another who raved about his recent visit is center Aaron Stargell from Roswell, Georgia.

He told the OSU coaches he loves the Buckeyes but wants to take all of his visits. He’ll announce his decision July 4th. One last name to watch is IMG Academy center Kaden Strayhorn, who was very impressed with the Ohio State football program on his visit. Don’t expect a decision from him anytime soon.

The optimal number of offensive linemen is usually 16-18. Right now, the Buckeyes have 16 but will almost definitely lose at least two at the end of the 2024 season. I fully expect them to bring in another tackle and at least two and, most likely, three interior guys.

Linebacker

Although the Buckeyes already have two commitments here, including eight-ranked Tarvos Alford, I still want to see them reel in one more at least. They’ll almost certainly lose two of the eight scholarship linebackers on the current roster at the end of the season.

I’d like to see them add another elite player and they are hot after two-fifth ranked Riley Pettijohn from Texas and IMG Academy’s Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, who is also in the top ten. Pettijohn is thought to be leaning toward Texas, but his visit with the Buckeyes exceeded expectations. Owusu-Boateng will be on campus this weekend.

There’s still a long way to go in this recruiting cycle and a lot is going to happen. There will be many more players commit to the Buckeyes and I don’t doubt some will de-commit. But the Ohio State 2025 recruiting class is off to an incredible start.