The Buckeyes are making waves – Ohio State is currently the most formidable team in the nation both in the transfer portal and on the recruiting trail.

As one season concludes, Ohio State’s football program is on a roll, both in the transfer portal and on the recruiting trail. The recent activities around the Columbus campus have been particularly exciting for Ryan Day and the coaching staff.

The momentum began with the addition of Caleb Downs, the top-ranked prospect in the transfer portal, choosing Ohio State over Georgia. Downs, who had an outstanding freshman season at Alabama, is seen as a valuable asset to the team. He joins other notable portal players, including quarterback Will Howard, running back Quinshon Judkins, center Seth McLaughlin, and tight end Will Kacmarek.

The 2024 recruiting class is also shaping up impressively, currently ranked third nationally by the 247Sports Composite. Four-star defensive lineman Dominic Kirks, formerly committed to Washington, recently committed to the Buckeyes. Kirks expressed his admiration for the program’s championship history and legendary defensive line coach Larry Johnson.

Looking ahead to the 2025 class, Ohio State is positioned as a strong contender for the top spot, currently sitting at fifth nationally with six early commitments. Notable recruits include top-ranked cornerback Devin Sanchez and highly regarded quarterback Tavien St. Clair, a local talent who is enthusiastic about the program’s commitment to excellence.

St. Clair, who visited the campus again, shared his excitement about the constant drive for greatness and had positive interactions with new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien. Ohio State continues to attract top-tier talent, with offensive tackle Carter Lowe, safety Trey McNutt, edge rusher Justin Hill, and tight end Nate Roberts among the prospects showing interest.

The Buckeyes are also making strides with 2025 edge rusher Mariyon Dye, who considers Ohio State his dream school. The program’s reputation, particularly the coaching prowess of defensive line coach Larry Johnson, stands out to Dye.

Additionally, the coaching staff hosted some promising in-state 2026 prospects, reinforcing the positive atmosphere and opportunities at Ohio State. The experiences of offensive tackle Maxwell Riley and cornerback Elbert Hill highlight the strong sense of family and the promising development opportunities within the program.