Ohio State Stands in a Tough Position with Two Recruits Trending Toward Heading South from the Buckeye State
Recruiting is the lifeblood of college football, and for a powerhouse program like Ohio State, securing top talent is an annual expectation. As one of the premier programs in the nation, the Buckeyes consistently find themselves in the mix for the best high school players in the country. However, with success comes fierce competition, and even Ohio State can face challenges in keeping top-tier recruits within the state of Ohio.
In recent recruiting news, Ohio State is facing a significant challenge with two of their coveted recruits. Both players, once thought to be leaning toward committing to the Buckeyes, are now trending south, potentially headed to programs in the SEC and ACC regions. These developments have left Ohio State fans and coaching staff on edge, as losing recruits with such high potential could have long-term implications for the program’s future.
Let’s break down the situation surrounding these two key recruits and why Ohio State is finding itself in a tough position as they potentially head out of state.
The Recruits: A Look at the Talent Ohio State Is Risking Losing
While Ohio State has a storied history of attracting top-tier talent, losing key recruits, especially from their own backyard, can sting. The two recruits in question are highly sought-after players who have the potential to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level. Here’s a closer look at who they are:
1. Five-Star Offensive Tackle: Elijah Rushing
Elijah Rushing, a five-star offensive tackle from the heart of Ohio, has been one of the top-ranked players in the 2025 class. At 6’6″ and 310 pounds, Rushing is a force on the offensive line, displaying the kind of strength, agility, and technique that makes him an ideal candidate for the Big Ten. Given Ohio State’s reputation for producing top-notch offensive linemen and its long-standing commitment to establishing a dominant running game, Rushing was considered a prime target for the Buckeyes.
However, in recent weeks, Rushing has been trending toward a commitment to Georgia, the reigning national champions. Georgia’s offensive line program, which has become one of the best in the nation, has made a significant impression on Rushing. The Bulldogs have been successful in luring top-tier recruits from across the country, and their ability to develop talent at the line of scrimmage has been a major selling point for Rushing.
This shift toward Georgia has left Ohio State in a tough spot, as losing out on a player of Rushing’s caliber would not only hurt their recruiting class but also make it more difficult to maintain dominance in the trenches, which has been a staple of the Buckeyes’ success.
2. Four-Star Wide Receiver: Jason “Jay” Allen
Jason Allen, a four-star wide receiver from Cincinnati, is another recruit Ohio State is at risk of losing. The 6’1″, 190-pound wideout has the speed, hands, and football IQ to be a game-changer in college football. Throughout his recruitment, Ohio State was seen as one of the frontrunners for Allen’s commitment, especially given the Buckeyes’ reputation for developing elite wide receivers like Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba in recent years.
However, Allen has been showing increased interest in Florida State and Alabama, two programs that have had considerable success in developing wide receivers and competing at the highest level. Florida State, in particular, has made a strong push, with head coach Mike Norvell and his staff offering a vision of immediate impact and a prominent role in their offensive system.
If Allen were to head to the South, Ohio State would miss out on a prime talent in a position group that has long been one of their strengths. Losing out on Allen would be a blow to Ohio State’s recruiting class, which already faces tough competition from other top schools in the region.
Why Are These Recruits Heading South?
Ohio State has long had a stronghold on recruiting in Ohio, and they have been successful in luring top talent from other regions of the country. However, there are several reasons why Rushing and Allen may be trending toward southern schools, and why Ohio State finds itself in a difficult position in these recruitments.
1. Competition from SEC and ACC Powerhouses
The SEC and ACC have become formidable competitors for Ohio State in recent years. Schools like Georgia, Alabama, and Florida State have solidified their place at the top of college football and consistently offer elite recruits the chance to play in high-stakes games, develop under top-tier coaching staff, and compete for national championships.
The SEC, in particular, has an undeniable allure for recruits. Known for its dominant programs and consistently strong presence in the playoff picture, the conference offers a level of prestige that is difficult for even the most powerful programs in the Big Ten to match.
Additionally, these southern programs often boast highly successful recruiting strategies, personal connections with recruits, and top-tier facilities. For Ohio State, competing with these schools for talent that is not only within Ohio’s borders but also in other regions, has become a serious challenge. Both Rushing and Allen have likely been drawn to the combination of championship contention and the opportunity to play in a highly competitive conference.
2. The Allure of Playing for Championship Programs
As mentioned, both Georgia and Alabama have been championship-caliber teams in recent seasons. The success these programs have had on the national stage—particularly Georgia’s back-to-back national titles—has undoubtedly made an impact on recruits. For Rushing, who plays in the trenches, the appeal of playing for a team known for its strong line play and championship success is hard to ignore. For Allen, playing in an explosive offense and alongside other elite talent at schools like Alabama or Florida State is a highly attractive proposition.
Ohio State, while still a perennial playoff contender, has seen its run of success in national championships become more sporadic compared to the SEC’s dominance. That trend has likely caused some recruits to consider other programs that have a more immediate chance of winning it all.
3. Family Connections and Recruiting Relationships
Another factor in these recruitments may be family ties and recruiting relationships. College football is as much about personal relationships as it is about on-field talent, and players are often drawn to coaches or programs that have built strong connections with them. In Rushing’s case, Georgia has built a rapport with him, which may have led to a deeper bond and trust in their vision for his development. Similarly, Allen’s growing connection with Florida State and Alabama staff could be swaying his decision-making process.
4. The Bright Lights of the South
There’s also the fact that programs in the South are known for their rabid fan bases, larger-than-life atmospheres, and high-energy games. For recruits looking to experience college football at its most passionate, the atmosphere in SEC and ACC stadiums is hard to replicate. This “big-time” experience—combined with the chance to play in front of massive crowds—could be a major factor for recruits like Rushing and Allen, who may be attracted to the bright lights of the South.
The Implications for Ohio State Football
Ohio State is in a precarious situation with both of these recruits, and losing them would create significant ripple effects. Not only would the Buckeyes miss out on elite talent at two key positions—offensive tackle and wide receiver—but it would also send a message that even Ohio’s top recruits aren’t safe from the pull of the SEC and ACC.
For Ohio State’s coaching staff, this serves as a reminder of the increasingly competitive recruiting landscape. Programs that once dominated their regions now face significant challenges from other top programs around the country, particularly in the South. This may force Ohio State to adapt its approach to recruiting, focusing on building stronger relationships with in-state prospects while expanding their reach to other regions.
Additionally, this is a wake-up call for the Buckeyes’ program to continue emphasizing the importance of their national title aspirations. Recruits like Rushing and Allen want to see that the program is committed to championship-level football, and Ohio State will need to ensure that its continued success on the field can compete with the programs that are luring these high-profile recruits south.