On another busy day for Ohio State on Thursday, recruiting became key as the Buckeyes named Morgan Phillips their new director of recruiting and special events. Having Alabama alum Ryan Day step into the role with his experience at another top-tier program was a smart move and will help Ohio State maintain its status as one of the leading schools in the country when it comes to recruiting and success.
McFadden is expected to announce his commitment this weekend.
Ohio State is in dire need of replenishing its offensive line in the class of 2025. So far, they have only two players committed, and Justin Frye's lack of wins on the trail has been a constant topic of conversation. Fortunately, all is not completely lost, and the Buckeyes still have a chance to replenish their lineup, and that could happen as soon as this weekend.
Maryland recruit Javon McFadden, who is set to make his decision Saturday, has the Buckeyes in a tight race with Colorado, Maryland and South Carolina, leaving just four schools remaining: Ohio State is top of the latest buzz for McFadden, who is ranked No. 469 nationally and the 29th best interior offensive lineman in his class according to the 247Sports Composite, and multiple crystal ball submissions back that up.
While the Crystal Ball doesn't decide everything, it still helps to have a selection from someone in the know like Bucknuts' Bill Kurelic. McFadden is a surefire candidate to add to a position group that needs more depth. Frye is hoping it works out this weekend, which would mark the 25th commitment overall in the class and the third on the offensive line.
2026 running back narrows top school list to five schools
Ohio State could potentially land both of its star running backs by the end of this season, and the Buckeyes and coach Carlos Loughlin will need to add multiple players to the position in the class of 2026. As with their acquisitions in the current cycle, there's a good chance Ohio State will land at least two again in the future as they need to address their depth.
Locklin has already received offers from several players in the 2026 class, proving his commitment to recruiting, which was a big reason he was able to land a player in 2025. There are no signs of that slowing down and more names will surely be mentioned, but several players have become early priorities.
As far as 2026 running backs go, Virginia native Savion Heiter is the best, and on Thursday he gave Ohio State good news by narrowing his top school list to five despite having offers from more than 20 schools, keeping the school on the team.
Hutter, who is ranked No. 29 nationally and the top running back in the 2026 class according to the 247Sports Composite, has Ohio State as his final pick, along with Georgia State, Michigan State, Penn State and Tennessee. He is not expected to make a decision anytime soon, but there are signs that the player is getting closer to a recruiting decision after turning down the majority of schools that offered him the position.
Keeping the Buckeyes near the top would be enough, but adding in the fact that Tre'Veyon Henderson is also a former top running back out of Virginia makes him a perfect scout candidate for Locklin. Expect the Buckeyes to be in this fight for a long time, and having a dynamic duo around this fall won't hurt their chances as Coach Hiter sees what Ohio State's running game looks like.
