The college football world is buzzing even during the current recruiting dead period, which will last until March 2. Coaches may not have direct contact with recruits, but high school players are making strides to secure their futures. Ohio State University has been particularly active, making the top schools list for several coveted prospects, including the nation's top running back.
Five-star recruit Savion Hiter, hailing from Virginia, is currently the standout player of the 2026 class and is ranked No. 17 overall by the 247Sports Composite. Hiter has recently narrowed his extensive list of offers to four finalists: Ohio State, Georgia, Michigan, and Tennessee. An exciting part of his recruitment is the official visits he has scheduled with each of these schools, with Ohio State's visit slated for May 30-June 1. His official visit will follow his previous trips to Columbus for games against Purdue and soon after receiving his offer from the Buckeyes.
After leading Louisa County to impressive performance last season, where he rushed for nearly 1,700 yards and 26 touchdowns, Hiter has proven his capabilities on both sides of the ball, showcasing his talent defensively as well. He indicates interest primarily between Ohio State and Georgia, which aims to strengthen its grasp on top recruits.
Ohio State is also making strides to improve its standing with four-star athlete Tyriq Green, who has been performing impressively on both offense as running back and defense as safety for Buford High School. Recently, he whittled down his offers from over 40 to eight substantial contenders, with the Buckeyes still firmly in the running alongside Florida, Michigan, and Georgia among others. Green's talents earned him the distinction of being the No. 10 athlete nationwide and No. 22 overall player from Georgia per the 247Sports rankings. Ohio State's coaching staff is hopeful to entice Green to commit, as he has expressed feelings of excitement upon receiving their offer.
Ohio State's success on the field, where TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins both managed to rush for over 1,000 yards last season to help the Buckeyes clinch the national title, is also aiding their recruiting efforts.
Adding to Ohio State's good news, four-star tight end Mack Sutter has included the Buckeyes among his final selections. The Illinois native, standing at 6-foot-5, has been recognized as the No. 7 tight end nationally and No. 94 overall. His official visits include Columbus on May 30, among others with Alabama and Penn State on his list. With such pivotal players joining the cohort, Sutter is viewed as another valuable asset to potentially bring to Ohio State's tight end room, led by position coach Keenan Bailey.
Ohio State's recruiting campaign does not stop there, as they are also a top choice for reclassified five-star wide receiver Ethan “Boobie” Feaster. Initially classed as part of the 2027 recruiting class, Feaster's decision to reclassify allows him to compete for the 2026 slot, where he currently ranks as the No. 4 wide receiver nationwide. Amidst interest from 12 schools, including Alabama and LSU, the Buckeyes offered the Texas wideout who made headlines after tallying impressive stats during last season, catching 57 passes for 824 yards and 13 touchdowns.
These athletes' trajectories are being closely monitored, as their commitments could significantly impact their teams' prospects. With the coaching staff actively vying for these talents, these recruitment efforts showcase the competitiveness of college football as programs race to secure the best high school players for their respective teams.
Recruiting won’t slow down even during this dead period. Athletes are still seeking out opportunities and working on their training to prepare for potential college paths. With all eyes currently on the likes of Hiter, Green, Sutter, and Feaster, there's no doubt the college football recruitment process remains as intense and strategic as ever.
No doubt, Ohio State's aggressive recruiting strategy positions them favorably as they seek to reinforce their roster with the best available talent. This year's recruitment process showcases not just the skills of young players but also the determination of college programs aiming to build future championship teams. Analyses indicate the potential for shifts within rankings as these recruits visit campuses and finalize their decisions, significantly impacting both the college football scene and the individuals pursuing their athletic dreams.