Ohio State Football: The Buckeyes beat out Michigan for Toledo recruit

The Ohio State football team coaching staff continued their hot month of January on the recruiting front as top 100 in-state prospect Carter Lowe announced today via 247Sports that he has committed to the Buckeyes.

Lowe, a 6-5, 290-pound tackle from Toledo, Ohio, was a top priority for Ohio State Offensive Line Coach Justin Frye and newly hired Offensive Coordinator Bill O’Brien. Ohio State’s poor offensive line play this past season has been under the microscope, and with one of the better prospects in the 2025 class being in their backyard, it was paramount that the Buckeyes landed the big lineman who currently plays for Whitmer High School.

Ohio State was able to outduel Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and rival Michigan, all of which Lowe had unofficially visited within the past calendar year after receiving offers.

Carter is the second-highest-ranked recruit from the state of Ohio according to 247Sports and the fourth-best offensive tackle nationally. Like most Midwest offensive linemen, Carter has above average run blocking abilities but will need to improve his pass blocking technique as he continues to mature and grow into his large frame.

This commitment gives Ohio State seven commits in the 2025 class, which is ranked in the top five according to the 247Sports composite rankings and is currently tops among all Big Ten schools. Joining Carter are fellow state of Ohio commits quarterback Tavien St. Clair, and linebacker Eli Lee. The class also has cornerback Devin Sanchez, defensive end Zahir Mathis, cornerback Blake Woodby, and wide receiver Jayven Boggs.

Outside of Lowe and St. Clair, the state of Ohio has two other top 100 prospects to keep an eye on in safety Trey McNutt and running back Bo Jackson, both of which are being heavily recruited by Ohio State at this time.