It’s one of those recruiting sagas that could ultimately shape the future of two college football powerhouses.
At the center of it all? A five-star wide receiver, a commitment to the University of Texas, and the persistent, unrelenting pursuit by Ohio State to flip him before National Signing Day.
As of now, Texas still holds the edge. The commitment is on the books. The Longhorns have done everything right to secure the pledge of one of the nation’s most electrifying high school talents. But deep in the heart of Buckeye country, there’s growing confidence—maybe even quiet optimism—that the bond between this elite receiver and Ohio State is stronger than many realize.
“I’ve got real love for Ohio State,” the recruit recently said in a candid moment with reporters. “It’s a place I’ve always respected, and every time I go up there, it just feels different. You feel the energy. You feel the history.”
That quote alone has given Buckeye fans all across the country a jolt of hope. But is hope enough to overcome the momentum Texas has already built?
Let’s rewind.
When this five-star receiver first exploded onto the scene during his sophomore year, it was clear he’d be a national name before long. Towering over defenders with elite speed and razor-sharp route running, he quickly became a priority target for blue-blood programs across the country. Alabama called. Georgia showed serious interest. USC offered a visit. But two schools emerged as leaders: Texas and Ohio State.
For a while, the Longhorns had the inside track. The hometown pull, the branding machine under head coach Steve Sarkisian, and the immediate opportunity for playing time in Austin were all significant factors. His visits to Texas went well. Relationships developed. The commitment came.
But Ohio State never gave up. Wide receivers coach Brian Hartline—arguably the most respected position coach in America—kept pushing. Hartline’s track record speaks for itself. From Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave to Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, the Buckeyes have become the gold standard for elite wideouts.
Hartline’s vision for the five-star was clear: come to Columbus, join a legacy, become a first-round draft pick, and play in a system tailor-made to showcase skill and speed.
“I talk to Coach Hartline all the time,” the recruit said. “It’s not just about football with him. He talks about life, how to handle pressure, how to grow as a man. That matters to me. He sees something in me, and that means a lot.”
That kind of bond isn’t manufactured overnight. It’s the result of years of communication, countless hours spent building trust, and a shared belief in what’s possible. Ohio State has played the long game—and played it well.
But flipping a player this late in the cycle is never easy. Especially one already committed to a program as well-resourced and ambitious as Texas.
The Longhorns, under Sarkisian, have built serious momentum both on the field and in recruiting circles. Last season’s success, combined with a move to the SEC, has injected even more excitement into the program. Texas isn’t just selling dreams anymore—they’re producing results. And they’re not letting go of this one without a fight.
Still, Ohio State has a unique card to play: development.
No school in the country has a better recent track record of producing first-round wide receivers. That reality is hard to ignore. Add in the fact that the Buckeyes are likely to lose key stars to the NFL in the coming draft, and there’s a clear path to early playing time.
“If I went to Ohio State, I’d have a chance to compete right away,” the recruit admitted. “That’s something I’ve thought a lot about. I want to be great, and I know they can get me there.”
Even more telling? His repeated visits to Columbus, even after his commitment to Texas.
Most prospects slow down their travel schedule after committing. Not this one. He’s been to Ohio State multiple times this spring and is expected to take an official visit in the coming weeks. Each visit gives the Buckeyes another opportunity to plant seeds of doubt about his current pledge—and another opportunity to remind him of what’s waiting in Columbus.
The Buckeye coaching staff isn’t the only thing working in Ohio State’s favor. Current players and fellow recruits have also joined the pitch. Multiple members of the Buckeyes’ current recruiting class have reached out, forming friendships and making it clear he’d be welcomed with open arms if he flipped.
“He’s a dude, no question,” said one current Ohio State commit. “We’re in his ear. We’re just telling him what we see—that he could be the next one up in that room. He knows. Everyone knows. It’s just about pulling the trigger.”
But decisions like this are rarely simple.
There are family considerations. There’s pressure from people in the local community to stay home and represent Texas. There’s the fear of making the wrong choice, of leaving something stable behind for the unknown.
And of course, there’s Texas. The Longhorns aren’t standing still. They’re reinforcing their message every day. Their offensive staff is pushing all the right buttons. The NIL infrastructure is strong. The branding opportunity is unmatched.
So where does that leave Ohio State?
