Three game-changing updates on Ohio State football offensive line recruiting
By Jon Rhoades
As the Ohio State football team enters a crucial phase in offensive line recruiting, the Buckeyes currently sit at three commitments for the 2025 class. They are actively pursuing top talent to bolster their future roster. Here are three major updates from this week that could significantly impact Ohio State’s recruiting success.
1. Struggles to Flip Micah DeBose from Alabama
Ohio State 2025 quarterback commit Tavien St. Claire let us know about Ohio State's attempts to flip Alabama commit Micah DeBose. Ohio State’s efforts to flip 2025 four-star offensive tackle Micah DeBose, currently committed to Alabama, are proving difficult.
DeBose was a top target for the Buckeyes, especially after missing out on David Sanders. Ohio State has maintained consistent communication, with OSU quarterback commit Tavian St. Clair reaching out to DeBose almost daily. Although the Buckeyes have prepared a competitive NIL package, Alabama has responded by strengthening its own offer.
Although DeBose does have family ties to Cleveland, Ohio, he also has ties to SEC programs like Georgia, LSU, and Alabama, which complicates Ohio State’s efforts to convince him to leave the South. Despite the Buckeyes' persistence, the likelihood of flipping DeBose remains slim at this stage.
2. New Offers Extended to Damola Ajidahun, Breck Kolojay, and Maxwell Hiller
Ohio State is expanding its recruiting reach with new offers to offensive line prospects across different classes. The Buckeyes extended a notable offer to Damola Ajidahun, a four-star 2025 offensive tackle from Georgia who is currently committed to Georgia Tech. Despite his commitment, Ajidahun has expressed interest in Ohio State, and the Buckeyes are working on scheduling a potential official visit for the Iowa game.
Ohio State also made offers to Breck Kolojay, a 2026 recruit, and Maxwell Hiller, a highly regarded 2027 prospect, signaling a long-term strategy to build depth on the offensive line. These offers are a good sign for fans who have been critical of Frye's lack of offers in the past few classes.
3. Will Conroy’s Planned Visit to Ohio State vs. Iowa Game
Ohio State could regain momentum in the recruitment of 2026 four-star offensive lineman Will Conroy, who plans to attend the Buckeyes’ game against Iowa, according to Bill Kuerlic. Conroy, an Ohio native from Cleveland’s St. Ignatius High School, initially left Ohio State out of his top five schools after communication had cooled earlier this year. However, recent discussions with Ohio State offensive line coach Justin Frye have renewed the relationship.
Although Michigan remains a strong contender for Conroy, his upcoming visit to the Ohio State football program presents a significant opportunity for the Buckeyes to regain traction in his recruitment. Conroy’s lifelong connection to Ohio State makes him a key target as the Buckeyes aim to strengthen their 2026 class.
Ohio State’s recruiting staff is working hard to secure top talent for the offensive line, with major decisions on the horizon. While challenges remain, the Buckeyes are making bold moves to compete with top programs and build a dominant offensive front for the future.