Ohio State football team misses out on top 3 for wide receiver prospect

Ohio State has been left out of the top three for standout wide receiver Jerome Myles, a development that has sparked conversation within Buckeye Nation. Myles, a 6’2”, 205-pound receiver ranked 45th nationally and 7th in his position, recently announced USC, Utah, and Texas A&M as his finalists ahead of his commitment, which is scheduled for September 18th.

A Missed Opportunity for the Buckeyes?

Myles is a highly sought-after prospect known for his size, speed, and playmaking ability. As the top player in Utah, Myles represents the kind of talent Ohio State traditionally covets, especially given their long-standing reputation as a wide receiver powerhouse. Head coach Ryan Day and receivers coach Brian Hartline had expressed interest in bringing him to Columbus, but despite their efforts, Myles chose to focus on his other options.

Ohio State fans might wonder whether the program "cooled" on Myles as other recruits started to emerge. However, this isn't an excuse Ohio State fans need to use. Ohio State continues to view Myles as a top-tier talent. If Myles decides to visit Ohio State in the future, there would be little to no reason they would not have him come.

One factor in Ohio State’s recruiting process is NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) allocations. Unlike many programs that prioritize skill positions for NIL money, Ohio State appears to be focusing more of its financial resources on other areas, such as the line of scrimmage. With a depth of talent already in place at wide receiver, the Buckeyes may be less inclined to commit significant NIL resources to add another receiver.

Even though it isn't filled with 5-stars, Ohio State’s current wide receiver class is already strong, with four receivers on board, including recent commitment and former 5-star Phillip Bell. Bell was once one of the nation’s top prospects and has shown consistent production throughout his high school career.

The Buckeyes are also bringing in other notable names like Quincy Porter, De'zie Jones, and Bodpegn Miller, adding to a wide receiver group that already includes stars like Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith.

NIL and the Wide Receiver Room

Ohio State has excelled in recruiting wide receivers in recent years, but the NIL landscape has made this a more nuanced process. Programs like USC, Texas A&M, and Utah are believed to have deeper NIL pools for players like Myles, giving them a competitive edge in this battle.

This is not making NIL an excuse as many programs would love to have the NIL program Ohio State has, but Ohio State has chosen to prioritize certain position groups and needs over just trying to gain the most stars as they are confident in its ability to develop players and produce NFL-caliber players.

The Buckeyes’ decision not to push harder for Myles comes down to a combination of factors: a stacked receiver room, strong existing commitments, and strategic NIL budgeting. However, if Myles decides to make an official visit to Ohio State before his commitment, the Buckeyes could still make a late push.

What's Next for Ohio State?

While missing out on Jerome Myles might feel like a loss, Ohio State remains well-positioned at wide receiver with its current recruits and a deep roster. The program continues to have confidence in its ability to develop NFL-ready talent under the guidance of Brian Hartline, one of the top wide receiver coaches in college football.

As Ohio State prepares for future seasons, it’s clear they will be just fine without Myles — but his potential remains tantalizing. Should he reconsider his options, the Buckeyes could find themselves back in the running for this talented prospect.

Ohio State’s recruiting remains strong, and fans can rest assured that the program has its eyes on the future, even as players like Jerome Myles explore opportunities elsewhere.