The Ohio State Buckeyes ended their summer official visit season with fireworks, welcoming some of the biggest names in the 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes to Columbus for a star-studded weekend that could shape the program’s future. With momentum already strong on the recruiting trail, head coach Ryan Day and his staff capitalized on the final days of the NCAA’s summer window by rolling out the scarlet carpet for elite talent, positioning the Buckeyes to finish the cycle among the nation’s best.
Among the notable prospects in attendance was the nation’s top-ranked cornerback, Devin Sanchez, who has long been a priority target for Ohio State. The five-star out of North Shore (Texas) made his way to Columbus for his second visit in the last six months, giving the Buckeyes one more critical opportunity to lock in a player with game-changing ability in the secondary. Ohio State’s tradition of developing elite defensive backs was on full display, with assistant coach Tim Walton working closely with Sanchez throughout the weekend. Sources close to the program say the Buckeyes feel confident about their chances, particularly after the bond Sanchez displayed with current commits and future teammates. Though Alabama and Texas A\&M remain in the mix, Ohio State’s consistency and defensive pedigree may ultimately swing the momentum in their favor.
Joining Sanchez was elite wide receiver Dakorien Moore, a former LSU commit now entertaining strong pushes from multiple top-tier programs. Widely regarded as one of the most dynamic playmakers in the 2025 cycle, Moore’s interest in Ohio State continues to heat up. Brian Hartline, Ohio State’s offensive coordinator and receivers coach, has earned a reputation for grooming NFL-ready talent, and that track record resonates with Moore and his family. Moore spent significant time with fellow Texas natives and current Buckeye players during the visit, and his comfort level appeared to grow as the weekend progressed. While programs like Oregon, Texas, and Oklahoma are still fighting to flip the script, Ohio State’s ability to make Moore feel like a centerpiece of their offensive future could prove decisive.
Perhaps the most talked-about presence in Columbus, however, was five-star defensive end Zion Grady, one of the premier edge rushers in the 2025 class. Grady, who has drawn comparisons to former Buckeye and current NFL standout Chase Young, came away from the visit impressed by Ohio State’s facilities, coaching staff, and development pipeline. Defensive line coach Larry Johnson made Grady a focal point of the weekend, emphasizing his potential role in the Buckeyes’ defensive scheme. Grady has been deliberate in his recruitment, but there’s a sense that Ohio State made a major move with this official visit, firmly placing themselves in contention with programs like Auburn and Georgia.
Another name that drew attention was offensive tackle Solomon Thomas, a massive presence from Raines High School in Florida. Measuring in at 6-foot-6 and 300 pounds, Thomas is one of the top linemen in the country and a critical target for a Buckeyes offensive line group looking to reload with elite talent. Offensive line coach Justin Frye has prioritized Thomas throughout the process, and the visit allowed Thomas to see firsthand how he’d fit into Ohio State’s future up front. He was reportedly impressed not only by the football program but by the academic and personal development aspects of Ohio State, signaling a well-rounded approach that could give the Buckeyes an edge over SEC suitors.
Quarterback recruiting was also part of the weekend buzz, with 2026 signal-caller Jared Curtis from Nashville making the trip north. Curtis is already gaining five-star attention as one of the top rising juniors in the nation, and his early interest in Ohio State is an encouraging sign for the Buckeyes. Curtis spent time with Day and quarterbacks coach Corey Dennis, soaking up the program’s history of success at the position. While his commitment is still likely more than a year away, the early foundation laid during this visit could pay major dividends down the line.
The Buckeyes also made significant progress with linebacker prospect Riley Pettijohn, a top-50 player nationally from Texas. Known for his sideline-to-sideline speed and high football IQ, Pettijohn could be the next great linebacker in a long line of defensive leaders to wear scarlet and gray. His visit featured extended meetings with defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who outlined how Pettijohn would be used in various packages. Pettijohn’s family reportedly came away very impressed by the Buckeye culture and development philosophy. With a final decision expected later this fall, Ohio State’s positioning after this visit appears to be very strong.
Running back recruiting also made noise this weekend, with four-star prospect Jordan Davison out of California making the trip. Davison has been on Ohio State’s radar for quite some time, and with Tony Alford now coaching at Michigan, the Buckeyes have worked to establish continuity under new running backs coach Carlos Locklyn. Davison was seen frequently interacting with current players and commits and left with a stronger appreciation for the program’s offensive identity. His recruitment remains open, but the Buckeyes’ pitch seems to be resonating at just the right time.
As the visits wrapped up, it was clear that Ohio State’s staff had executed a well-planned, high-impact weekend that prioritized relationships, player development, and vision for the future. More than just rolling out red carpets and photo ops, the Buckeyes made a clear case to each prospect about what it means to be a part of one of college football’s most iconic programs. The recruiting trail is always competitive, especially with blue bloods like Alabama, Georgia, and Texas pushing hard for the same elite talent, but Ohio State’s consistency, culture, and results continue to give them an edge.
Ryan Day and his staff are fully aware that the margins are razor-thin in modern recruiting. As NIL opportunities expand and the transfer portal continues to alter roster construction, building strong relationships early and maintaining momentum is critical. This final summer visit weekend served as a testament to Ohio State’s adaptability and vision. The Buckeyes have embraced the new era of college football without sacrificing the tradition that made them great.
Recruiting insiders and analysts across the country are already predicting Ohio State to land multiple commitments from this final round of visits, including potential pledges from some of the names who visited this weekend. While timelines will vary and the drama of decision-making is still to unfold, there is growing belief that the Buckeyes’ strategy has positioned them to finish strong. The 2025 class, in particular, could end up as one of the best in the Ryan Day era if even a few of these big names choose to join forces in Columbus.
It’s often said that championships are built in the offseason, and for Ohio State, that process was on full display as they closed out their summer with a crescendo of recruiting excitement. With fall approaching and high school seasons around the corner, the Buckeyes now shift their focus to maintaining contact, securing commitments, and building relationships with the next wave of talent. But for now, the feeling inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center is one of confidence, focus, and quiet optimism that the best is yet to come.
