Five-star wide receiver Monshun Sales and four-star defensive end Reinaldo Perez are reportedly planning to attend Ohio State’s highly anticipated season opener, adding further buzz to what’s already shaping up to be one of the most electric starts to a college football season in recent memory. The Buckeyes, perennially one of the top programs in the country, are looking to set the tone early with both a decisive win on the field and a strong impression on the recruiting trail. Having two blue-chip recruits on campus for the opener could be a major step toward accomplishing both goals.
Sales, widely considered one of the top wide receiver prospects in the nation for the 2026 class, has been on the radar of top programs from coast to coast. His elite blend of size, speed, and natural ball skills has earned him comparisons to recent NFL standouts like Ja’Marr Chase and Marvin Harrison Jr. What makes Sales even more intriguing to Ohio State fans is the Buckeyes’ recent track record of developing elite wide receivers. With Brian Hartline continuing to build his resume as one of the best position coaches and recruiters in the country, Ohio State has become a wide receiver factory—an attractive destination for any top-tier pass-catcher with NFL dreams. Sales’ presence at the opener will surely be watched closely by the coaching staff, fans, and rival recruiters alike.
Reinaldo Perez, meanwhile, is a name that’s been gaining traction quickly in recruiting circles. The four-star defensive end from Florida has been climbing up national rankings thanks to his explosive first step, high motor, and ability to disrupt both the run and pass game. While he’s not quite as nationally renowned as Sales, Perez is no less important to Ohio State’s recruiting strategy. The Buckeyes are in need of replenishing their defensive front over the next couple of cycles, and Perez’s visit comes at an ideal time. Getting him on campus during a major showcase game could be the catalyst Ohio State needs to secure a commitment or, at the very least, move into pole position in his recruitment.
The season opener itself is more than just a game—it’s an event. With a packed house expected at Ohio Stadium and national media attention locked in, the Buckeyes have everything lined up for a spectacle. For recruits like Sales and Perez, this is the type of environment that can sway a decision. The energy in the stadium, the fan support, the team’s performance, and the way players are utilized all factor into a recruit’s perception of a program. And with both players expected to get the red-carpet treatment from the coaching staff, every detail of their visit will matter.
From a strategic standpoint, hosting elite talent like Sales and Perez during the season opener is a calculated move by Ohio State’s recruiting department. It’s not just about showcasing a potential blowout victory—it’s about showing the full power and culture of the program. Players will meet with current stars, tour facilities, interact with position coaches, and likely spend time with other visiting recruits. This creates a sense of camaraderie and momentum, something that can be invaluable when top players are making decisions that will affect the next three to four years of their lives.
There’s also the timing element. Early visits can often set the tone for how a recruitment will play out. For Sales, who’s expected to take multiple visits throughout the fall, this could be the benchmark against which he measures every other school he visits. And for Perez, who has indicated he may want to make a decision before his senior season, an impactful visit to Columbus could push Ohio State into a commanding lead. This is especially relevant given the stiff competition from other elite programs across the SEC and ACC that are also vying for their signatures.
Sales has long been linked to powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, and USC, but Ohio State’s ability to develop first-round wide receivers—and do so consistently—may give them a unique edge. When recruits watch highlights of Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr., they see a clear and proven pathway to the NFL. Sales, who wants to be the next big thing at the position, could very well be swayed by the legacy of success and the opportunity to leave his mark in Columbus.
Perez’s recruitment is slightly different in nature, as his rise in the rankings has made him more of a late bloomer in the national conversation. That said, he’s already being courted heavily by programs like Florida State, Miami, and LSU. Ohio State’s ability to get him on campus early, before the frenzy of official visits and in-home visits kicks into high gear, is crucial. They’re hoping to make such a strong impression during the visit that Perez can envision himself in a Buckeye uniform from the moment he steps onto the field.
The importance of this visit also extends beyond just the individual players. In the modern recruiting landscape, peer recruiting plays a major role. Players form bonds during visits, at camps, and on social media. A strong visit for Sales and Perez could create ripple effects across the entire class. Other recruits watch closely to see who is visiting where, who’s leaning toward committing, and what kind of buzz is being generated. Ohio State knows this and is strategically leveraging these high-profile visits to create a snowball effect in its favor.
From a football standpoint, Ohio State’s opener is likely to feature an explosive offense and a suffocating defense—both of which are attractive for recruits at Sales’ and Perez’s positions. Watching the Buckeyes air it out with a dynamic receiving corps or unleash relentless pressure on opposing quarterbacks can leave a lasting impression. And beyond the x’s and o’s, the gameday atmosphere in Columbus is often described as electric, unforgettable, and “different” by visiting players.
Ohio State’s recruiting machine is one of the most efficient and aggressive in college football. With a combination of elite facilities, NFL-caliber development, and a brand that resonates nationwide, it’s not surprising that top-tier players are lining up visits. But landing a five-star receiver and a rising four-star edge rusher would be more than just a win on the trail—it would be a statement that the Buckeyes are not just maintaining their elite status, but actively strengthening it.
The presence of Monshun Sales and Reinaldo Perez on campus for the season opener doesn’t guarantee commitments, but it undeniably raises the stakes and expectations for what could be a pivotal weekend in the recruiting calendar. The coaching staff will be pulling out all the stops to ensure their experience in Columbus is not only memorable but also transformative. And with the eyes of the college football world tuned in, it’s safe to say that what happens during this visit could have lasting implications for Ohio State’s roster, identity, and championship aspirations in the years ahead.
As the clock ticks toward kickoff, anticipation builds—not just for the scoreboard but for what might unfold behind the scenes in the recruiting lounges, locker rooms, and late-night conversations that shape the future of a program. If Ohio State is able to capitalize on this opportunity and leave an indelible mark on two of the most sought-after players in the country, it could turn the season opener into the launching pad for another elite recruiting class that keeps the Buckeyes at the top of the college football world.
