Ohio State Buckeyes Are Trending Toward Stealing Away One of the Top Commitments at a Big 12 Program

In the competitive world of college football recruiting, few things are as exciting as when a program appears to be on the verge of pulling off a major recruiting coup. For the Ohio State Buckeyes, a program that has long been a powerhouse in college football, landing top-tier recruits is not just an expectation—it’s a way of life. In recent weeks, Ohio State has emerged as a serious contender for the commitment of one of the most coveted high school prospects in the country, a player previously committed to a Big 12 powerhouse. The buzz surrounding this potential commitment has set the recruiting world abuzz, with fans and analysts alike wondering if the Buckeyes are truly about to pull off a major steal.

The recruit in question is Jaden Edwards, a highly touted wide receiver from Dallas, Texas. Edwards had been committed to the Oklahoma Sooners for several months, but as the 2025 recruiting cycle has progressed, whispers of his growing interest in Ohio State have intensified. Ohio State, under head coach Ryan Day and the leadership of wide receivers coach Brian Hartline, has consistently been one of the top programs when it comes to developing wide receivers, and their recent push for Edwards has raised the stakes in his recruitment. With Ohio State’s track record of success and a roster brimming with talent, the Buckeyes have positioned themselves as a legitimate threat to take Edwards away from Oklahoma in what could be one of the biggest recruiting shocks of the cycle.

This article explores the recruiting drama surrounding Jaden Edwards and Ohio State, breaking down the circumstances surrounding his commitment to Oklahoma, the reasons Ohio State is now in the driver’s seat, and what this potential change in allegiance could mean for both programs.

The Recruit: Jaden Edwards’ Rise to Prominence

Before diving into the specifics of Ohio State’s pursuit of Jaden Edwards, it’s important to understand why the 6-foot-2, 190-pound wide receiver has become one of the most coveted players in the country. Edwards’ rise to national prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. Hailing from Dallas, Texas, one of the most talent-rich areas in the country, Edwards played at Dallas High School, where he quickly established himself as a dynamic and versatile offensive weapon.

Edwards possesses the ideal blend of size, speed, and route-running ability that NFL scouts look for in a wide receiver prospect. Known for his ability to stretch the field, Edwards has a knack for making spectacular catches and is especially dangerous in contested situations. His speed allows him to get behind defenses, while his ability to track the ball in the air and secure catches in tight windows makes him a nightmare for defensive backs. During his junior season, Edwards posted 1,500 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns, solidifying his place among the top wide receivers in the nation.

His impressive stats caught the attention of several top programs, but it wasn’t just his physical talent that made Edwards such a coveted prospect—it was his mentality and leadership. Coaches rave about Edwards’ work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to elevate his teammates’ play. His commitment to improvement both on and off the field has made him one of the most well-rounded recruits in the country.

The Oklahoma Commitment: A Big 12 Powerhouse in the Mix

Jaden Edwards made waves in the recruiting world when he committed to the Oklahoma Sooners back in 2024, choosing the Big 12 powerhouse over several other elite programs. At the time, Oklahoma was seen as one of the leading programs in the country, and their offensive scheme, led by head coach Brent Venables, had been known for producing high-powered offenses that produced top-tier wide receiver talent. Oklahoma seemed like the perfect fit for Edwards, as they offered him a chance to step into a high-profile role within their prolific offense.

For Oklahoma, securing a commitment from Edwards was a major victory. They had secured a commitment from a top-tier player who was expected to make an immediate impact in their offense. The Sooners’ high-octane attack, featuring star quarterbacks and explosive wide receivers, seemed like the ideal environment for Edwards to showcase his skills. The commitment was hailed as a big win for Oklahoma, as they looked to continue their tradition of success and push for national championships in the coming years.

However, as the months passed, it became clear that Edwards was beginning to have second thoughts about his decision. His recruitment had always been under heavy scrutiny, with several schools continuing to stay in contact and offer him opportunities. The pursuit of Edwards by other programs, including Ohio State, began to heat up as the 2025 recruiting cycle entered its home stretch.

Ohio State’s Recruiting Push: The Perfect Fit for Edwards

For the Ohio State Buckeyes, recruiting Edwards represented an opportunity to add another top-tier wide receiver to an already loaded group. Under head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson, Ohio State has developed one of the most potent passing attacks in college football. The Buckeyes’ offense has consistently ranked among the best in the nation, producing star quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs who have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL. Ohio State has become a go-to destination for wide receivers, thanks in part to the development provided by Brian Hartline, their highly respected wide receivers coach.

Hartline has built a reputation as one of the best wide receiver coaches in the country, having produced a pipeline of NFL-caliber wide receivers, including Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. His ability to develop wide receivers and get them to the next level has made him one of the top recruiters in the country. Hartline’s reputation as a developer of elite wide receiver talent made Ohio State an appealing option for Edwards, and the Buckeyes wasted no time in making a strong push to land his commitment.

One of the key factors in Ohio State’s recruitment of Edwards was the opportunity for him to play alongside some of the best young talent in college football. Ohio State’s quarterback room is among the best in the country, with Kyle McCord and Devin Brown expected to lead the offense in the coming seasons. With top-tier wide receivers already on the roster, including Emeka Egbuka and Marvin Harrison Jr., Edwards would have the chance to learn from some of the best in the game while competing for a starting spot in one of the nation’s most explosive offenses.

Furthermore, the prospect of playing in front of the Ohio Stadium crowd, one of the largest and most passionate fanbases in college football, is something that has drawn Edwards’ attention. The opportunity to compete for Big Ten titles and potentially national championships with a team that consistently ranks among the best in the country is an exciting proposition for any player.

The Shift in Edwards’ Recruitment: Growing Interest in Ohio State

As Ohio State ramped up its recruiting efforts for Edwards, it became increasingly clear that the Buckeyes were gaining ground in his recruitment. Sources close to Edwards’ camp reported that he had developed a strong relationship with Brian Hartline, who had made it a priority to meet with Edwards in person and present the opportunity to play in Ohio State’s elite offensive system. Hartline’s pitch centered around how Edwards could thrive in a program that has produced countless NFL wide receivers and how playing in such a high-powered offense would put him in the best position to succeed at the next level.

In addition to the relationship with Hartline, Edwards was also drawn to Ohio State’s winning culture and its proven track record of developing players. Ohio State’s consistent success in both the Big Ten and on the national stage was another factor that played a significant role in his growing interest in the Buckeyes. With the potential to play for a national championship contender year in and year out, Edwards saw Ohio State as an ideal destination to maximize his potential.

As the spring approached, Edwards’ communication with Ohio State became more frequent. The Buckeyes were in constant contact with him, offering assurances about their commitment to his development and the opportunities available to him in Columbus. This attention to detail by Ohio State’s coaching staff, combined with the program’s reputation for success, led Edwards to seriously reconsider his commitment to Oklahoma.

The Final Stretch: Will Ohio State Seal the Deal?

As the 2025 recruiting cycle nears its conclusion, the race to secure Edwards’ commitment has entered its final stretch. Oklahoma, for its part, has continued to recruit Edwards hard, attempting to solidify his commitment and reassure him that his future is best served in Norman. However, the momentum now seems to be swinging in Ohio State’s direction. The combination of Ohio State’s offensive firepower, the chance to play under a coach with a proven track record of developing wide receivers, and the opportunity to compete for championships is proving to be a powerful formula for Edwards.

Recruiting experts have begun to shift their predictions, with many now forecasting that Ohio State has the upper hand in Edwards’ recruitment. If the Buckeyes are able to secure Edwards’ commitment, it would be a massive win for the program and a significant blow to Oklahoma, which had been hoping to keep the talented wide receiver in the Big 12.

What Does This Mean for Ohio State and Oklahoma?

If Ohio State is able to steal away Edwards, it would be a huge victory for Ryan Day and the Buckeyes. Edwards’ commitment would add another elite wide receiver to a depth chart already brimming with talent, further solidifying Ohio State’s reputation as a destination for top-tier offensive talent. With Ohio State continuing to compete for national championships, adding a player like Edwards would only strengthen their position as a top contender.

For Oklahoma, losing Edwards would be a blow to their recruiting efforts, as the Sooners had worked hard to secure his commitment. Oklahoma’s offense has been a major selling point for recruits, and losing Edwards could signal to other recruits that the program is vulnerable to losing high-profile players to other programs. However, the Sooners are still a prestigious program with a strong tradition, and they will no doubt continue to compete for top-tier talent in the coming years.

A Recruiting Battle to Watch

As the recruiting drama surrounding Jaden Edwards continues to unfold, Ohio State is positioning itself to pull off a major coup by stealing away one of the top commitments in the Big 12. The Buckeyes’ strong push, combined with their reputation for developing wide receivers and competing for championships, makes them an enticing destination for Edwards. Whether or not Ohio State can seal the deal remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this recruiting battle is one to watch, and it could have significant implications for both Ohio State and Oklahoma in the coming years.