It’s late May, and college football recruiting battles are heating up as summer official visits near. Few programs in America are more consistently active on the recruiting trail than the Ohio State Buckeyes, and with head coach Ryan Day and his staff assembling another nationally elite class, a new storyline has emerged—one that could further shift the national power balance in favor of the scarlet and gray.
The Buckeyes are making a serious push to flip a five-star commitment from the Oregon Ducks, and industry insiders believe there’s growing momentum in Columbus. The target? A game-changing athlete who’s currently pledged to Dan Lanning’s program but is far from finished with his recruitment. Sources close to the situation have indicated that Ohio State not only has a legitimate shot but could be gaining ground fast.
In the high-stakes world of college football recruiting, flips are often more than just recruiting wins—they are momentum-shifting, perception-altering statements. For Ryan Day and his staff, flipping a five-star from Oregon would send a powerful message to the rest of the country: Ohio State is not just competing with the SEC’s best but also battling toe-to-toe with the most aggressive recruiters in the Pac-12 and Big Ten merger era. As Oregon becomes a direct conference rival, this isn’t just about winning a battle—this is about planting a flag.
The recruit in question, whose name is being kept tightly guarded out of respect for the ongoing nature of his process, is a consensus top-10 national talent. He’s been described by scouts as a “plug-and-play superstar” at the college level and a future first-round NFL Draft pick. At 6-foot-3 and around 220 pounds, he combines elite burst, length, and football IQ with position versatility that could make him a cornerstone for whichever team signs him. He’s played both sides of the ball in high school but is projected by most evaluators to be a next-level difference-maker at linebacker or EDGE, where his explosiveness off the snap is unrivaled in his class.
He committed to Oregon in March, in large part due to the relentless recruiting efforts of Dan Lanning and his staff—particularly defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi, who has a long history of landing elite defensive talent. The Ducks rolled out the red carpet, selling the vision of becoming the West Coast’s dominant defensive team and building a national championship contender. The early commitment was seen as a massive win for Oregon and a statement that the Ducks could lock down top-tier prospects even against perennial powerhouses like Georgia, Alabama, and yes—Ohio State.
But since that commitment, the Buckeyes haven’t backed off. In fact, according to multiple sources, they’ve turned up the heat.
Ryan Day, along with new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and ace recruiter Brian Hartline, have stayed in consistent contact with the recruit and his family. What’s more, the Buckeyes have reportedly secured an official visit in June—a massive development that could shape the rest of this recruitment. The visit, which will coincide with one of Ohio State’s major recruiting weekends, is being described as an “all-hands-on-deck” effort to close the gap with Oregon and sell the vision of being part of a legacy-defining class.
Ohio State’s pitch is straightforward but powerful: development, exposure, and winning.
Under Day’s leadership, the Buckeyes have sent elite talent to the NFL at a staggering rate. The program’s success in producing first-round picks—especially on defense in recent years—speaks for itself. With Knowles now implementing a more aggressive, versatile defensive scheme and seeing early results, top recruits are taking notice.
Furthermore, playing in Columbus offers a national spotlight that few programs can match. Between primetime games, College Football Playoff contention, and the sheer magnitude of Ohio State’s fanbase and media presence, the exposure is second to none. For a player with professional aspirations, that matters.
But perhaps more than anything, the Buckeyes are leaning into the opportunity to be part of something special. With a top-five recruiting class already taking shape, including multiple five-stars across various positions, there’s a growing sense that this could be the kind of group that defines the next era of Ohio State football. That message is resonating with recruits—and parents—who see the value in being surrounded by other elite talents, all pushing each other to the next level.
That said, flipping a five-star is never easy, and Oregon isn’t going to give up without a fight.
Dan Lanning has built one of the most aggressive and organized recruiting operations in the country. The Ducks’ commitment to NIL, elite facilities, and a rapidly growing national brand all contribute to their appeal. Moreover, the personal relationships that have already been built over months of contact are meaningful. For the recruit in question, loyalty and comfort will be major factors in the decision, and Oregon has done an excellent job establishing both.
Still, momentum in recruiting can be fickle, and timing is everything.
Ohio State’s upcoming official visit could be a turning point. If the Buckeyes knock it out of the park—as they so often do with elite visitors—they could tip the scales. One source familiar with the visit plans said that the staff is preparing to roll out the red carpet, not just with facilities tours and coaching meetings but with player-hosted events, family engagement, and a full program presentation designed to show what life as a Buckeye would truly look like.
