Ohio State’s recruiting board for the offensive line is starting to narrow, and at the top of that list are two names generating considerable buzz: Felix Ojo and Micah “Champ” Smith. As the Buckeyes continue building toward what could be another top-five national recruiting class, the importance of locking in elite offensive line talent has never been clearer. Head coach Ryan Day and offensive line coach Justin Frye are focusing intently on these two prospects as foundational pieces of the trenches in Columbus.
Micah Smith, known affectionately as “Champ,” is one of the most physically impressive linemen in the country. Hailing from Warner Robins, Georgia, Smith brings a unique blend of size, strength, and athleticism that has college coaches across the nation drooling. At 6-foot-6 and over 300 pounds, Smith moves with the kind of footwork and quickness that are rare for players his size. He’s been a dominant force at camps and combines, often making defenders look like they don’t belong on the same field. But it’s not just the physical tools that make Smith a coveted recruit; it’s also his leadership, intelligence, and relentless drive that have drawn the Buckeyes in.
Ohio State has had its fair share of elite offensive linemen over the years, and Smith has all the makings of the next great one. The Buckeyes have made it clear to Smith that he’s a top priority, rolling out the red carpet during his visits and maintaining steady, meaningful communication. Smith has responded positively, publicly stating that he feels a genuine connection with the coaching staff and sees himself thriving in their system. While SEC powers like Georgia and Alabama remain in the hunt, Ohio State has positioned itself as a real contender, and the relationships being built behind the scenes may prove decisive.
Then there’s Felix Ojo, the Texas-based offensive tackle who has rapidly climbed recruiting boards thanks to a breakout junior season and a dominant showing in spring camps. Ojo, listed at 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, is a prototypical left tackle with long arms, excellent balance, and a mean streak in the run game. He’s everything a program like Ohio State looks for in a blindside protector: physical, coachable, and still developing.
Ojo is a quieter personality compared to Smith, but his game speaks volumes. Those close to his recruitment say he’s intrigued by the Buckeyes’ track record of producing NFL-caliber offensive linemen. With Paris Johnson Jr., Wyatt Davis, and Nicholas Petit-Frere as recent examples of Ohio State linemen making the leap to the pros, the pitch is simple: come to Columbus, develop, and dominate.
Ohio State’s coaching staff has been strategic in its approach with Ojo. While they initially had a wide net cast across multiple linemen nationally, the staff has now turned its full attention to the core group they believe fits their culture and system best. Ojo’s name is circled in red. His official visit is scheduled for early summer, and it’s expected to be a pivotal moment. If the Buckeyes can impress him and his family the way they intend to, momentum could shift significantly in their favor.
What makes the pursuit of Ojo and Smith especially intriguing is how the two players represent different regions, styles, and recruiting battles. Smith is in the heart of SEC territory, and his recruitment has been a classic showdown between northern and southern powers. Meanwhile, Ojo hails from the loaded state of Texas, where in-state programs like Texas and Texas A\&M usually dominate. Yet here is Ohio State, a Midwestern power, right in the thick of it for both.
There’s also the broader context to consider. The 2025 class is shaping up to be a critical one for Ohio State’s offensive line depth. After several key departures and a need to continue bolstering talent in the trenches, Frye knows the pressure is on. Bringing in high-ceiling players like Ojo and Smith wouldn’t just fill immediate needs—they would also send a message nationally about Ohio State’s continued pull in the recruiting world.
Both players have also noted their respect for what Ohio State is building. The Buckeyes’ up-tempo offense, national exposure, and player development model are major selling points. The NIL opportunities in Columbus are also competitive, and while neither Smith nor Ojo has made their decisions based solely on financial considerations, it’s a factor every elite recruit must weigh in today’s landscape.
Micah Smith has taken multiple visits, and sources close to his camp say he’s been impressed not only with the facilities and staff but also with the team culture. He values being part of a winning environment where development is a priority and accountability is baked into the program’s DNA. The Buckeyes have been working hard to show that they offer all that and more.
Felix Ojo, on the other hand, has kept things close to the vest, but his high school coaches have praised Ohio State’s consistency and professionalism throughout the recruiting process. Ojo is expected to take at least three more official visits before making a final decision, but the Buckeyes are firmly in the mix.
One thing that could play in Ohio State’s favor is the camaraderie the staff is trying to build between the recruits. Both Smith and Ojo have been invited to key recruiting weekends where top prospects across positions are brought together to bond and envision what they could build as a unit. There’s a subtle but real effort to make these guys feel like they’re already teammates, planting the seed for a future offensive line anchored by two of the best in the class.
The Buckeyes’ offensive line tradition is well-documented, but in recent years, there’s been a push to get nastier, more physical, and more dominant at the point of attack. That’s where guys like Smith and Ojo fit in perfectly. They are tone-setters—players who not only protect the quarterback but demoralize defenders in the run game. That’s the kind of edge Ohio State wants to reestablish up front.
As the summer approaches and commitments start to roll in across the country, the pressure on these decisions will only intensify. Smith is likely to make a summer decision, possibly before his senior season begins. Ojo may wait a little longer, potentially into the fall, but both players will be deciding within the next few months.
For Ohio State fans, it’s time to keep a close eye on two names: Micah “Champ” Smith and Felix Ojo. If things break right, these two could be the bookends of a top-tier offensive line class. The groundwork is being laid, and now it’s a matter of execution.
In a recruiting cycle where every commitment counts and momentum can swing on the smallest detail, the Buckeyes are doing everything in their power to land their top targets. Whether that means leaning into relationships, selling development, or showcasing a clear path to the NFL, Ohio State is pushing all the right buttons.
And if they can seal the deal with Smith and Ojo, the message to the rest of the country will be loud and clear: the Buckeyes still own the trenches.