Ohio State trending early for major targets in 2025 recruiting class

After reeling in the nation’s No. 3 recruiting class in the 2024 cycle, Ohio State is off to a hot start in 2025.

Eight prospects are currently committed and the Buckeyes rank No. 2 in the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. A trio of five-star recruits lead the way — Birmingham (Ala.) Parker cornerback Na’eem Offord, Houston North Shore cornerback Devin Sanchez and Bellefontaine (Ohio) quarterback Tavien St. Clair.

But Ryan Day and his staff in Columbus are far from done in this cycle. Ohio State is trending for multiple top prospects in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM), and Buckeyes recruiting insider Matt Parker broke down these recruitments on The Inside Scoop football recruiting show.

4-star EDGE Justin Hill

Cincinnati Winton Woods four-star EDGE Justin Hill is a top-five prospect in the state of Ohio. He ranks No. 90 overall nationally and is the No. 12 edge rusher in the 2025 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Ohio State insiders Matt Parker and Alex Gleitman have both logged expert predictions favoring the Buckeyes alongside On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons. Ohio State currently leads at 94.5% in the RPM.

“I wouldn’t expect a decision anytime soon,” Parker said about Hill. “Talking with Justin for about a year now, he’s really wanting to go through this process to the entirety of how he sees it playing out which includes some spring visits. He’s going to be at Ohio State (March 19), would assume he’ll be at Oregon and a couple of other places he’s really interested in — Alabama as well. Then expect official visits in June.

“I do believe that he is looking at an early July decision. So even though Ohio State is sitting in a pretty good position right now, this is going to go until about July or so.”

Jacksonville (Fla.) Mandarin four-star wide receiver Jaime Ffrench is the No. 4 wide receiver in the 2025 cycle. Programs around the country have been working hard to earn Ffrench’s commitment after he decommitted from Alabama in January.

“Brian Hartline. You just see what he has done, I feel like we’re just a broken record here. But ever since Jaime Ffrench decomitted from Alabama, there’s two schools that you’ve been hearing of — Ohio State and Florida State,” Parker said. “We heard about that last year in the 2024 cycle with Jeremiah Smith who is now two practices in as an Ohio State Buckeyes. Jaime Ffrench plays for South Florida Express, which Ohio State is very familiar with

The Ohio State Buckeyes have struck gold on the recruiting trail, securing the commitment of a highly rated 4-star cornerback for their 2025 class. Widely regarded as one of the top defensive backs in the nation, this talented prospect adds to Ohio State’s tradition of producing elite secondary players.

The cornerback chose the Buckeyes over offers from several powerhouse programs, praising Ohio State’s coaching staff and their proven track record of developing NFL-caliber defensive backs. “Ohio State felt like the right fit for me both on and off the field,” the player said. “The coaches believe in my potential, and I’m excited to be part of something special.”

Standing out for his lockdown coverage skills, exceptional athleticism, and ability to read the game, this new commit is expected to make an immediate impact upon joining the Buckeyes. His addition continues Ohio State’s streak of attracting top-tier talent to Columbus.

Head coach Ryan Day and his staff have been relentless in building a powerhouse 2025 recruiting class, and this commitment further solidifies Ohio State’s position as one of the premier destinations for future stars.

Stay tuned for more updates on this rising star and Ohio State’s recruiting success.