The Buckeyes top-ranked recruiting class has seen its share of noteworthy battles with the best of the Midwest, but with over 10 months until signing day, things are just getting started.
Today we look at some of the top players left on the Buckeyes' board and which conference rivals could present a bit of a challenge.
LAMONT WADE • DB • CLAIRTON, PA (CLAIRTON) • BIGGEST THREAT: PENN STATE
Why Ohio State? Wade has been to Ohio State at least four times dating back to last summer. The 5-foot-9, 185-pounder is in constant contact with both Greg Schiano and Luke Fickell. Wade's father, Carlton, recently spoke with Eleven Warriors and stated that they will be back in Columbus soon.
Why not Ohio State? Wade is saying all the right things when it comes to competition at the next level, but depending on when a decision is made, it may be tough to ignore the rest of the talent in the class. Other schools are already negatively recruiting against the Buckeyes, citing early playing time as a reason to look somewhere other than Columbus.
It's also tough to ignore Ohio State's recent struggles with luring kids away from the Pittsburgh area – especially as it pertains to defensive backs. Wade was recently at Penn State's junior day and the Nittany Lions, along with the Panthers, are expected to be in this one for the long haul.
Best Guess? Ohio State
DONOVAN PEOPLES-JONES • WR • DETROIT, MI (CASS TECH) • BIGGEST THREAT: MICHIGAN
Why Ohio State? Kerry Coombs and the Ohio State staff have had a nice run at Detroit's Cass Tech. Things got started with Damon Webb back in 2014 and continued in the 2015 class with the signing of Mike Weber and Joshua Alabi.
Why not Ohio State? Despite having visited Columbus before, the nation's top wideout hasn't been back in quite some time and has missed a couple of scheduled trips as well. The Wolverines are making the 6-foot-2, 190-pounder their top priority at wide receiver and there have been rumors that he could be the only pass-catcher they take in the 2017 class. For the Buckeyes, guys like Trevon Grimes and Jaylen Harris appear to be the more likely options at this point.
Best Guess? Michigan
AMIR RIEP • DB • CINCINNATI, OH (COLERAIN) • BIGGEST THREAT: MICHIGAN
Why Ohio State? The four-star has taken visits to seemingly every school in America over the past few months, but the Kerry Coombs factor at Colerain is impossible to ignore. Coombs built the program into what it is today and his Queen City clout is a major factor for the Buckeyes. Riep is set to decide on July 23rd – his birthday – and is planning to be in Columbus at least two more times before making the announcement.
Why not Ohio State? Similar to the Lamont Wade situation, other schools are going to use the Buckeyes' 2017 class against them. Shaun Wade is anything but solid right now, but that won't stop Michigan, Michigan State, and Penn State from constantly reminding him how much talent the Buckeyes already have in the fold. Riep spoke highly of his recent visit to Michigan and will be checking out East Lansing today.
Best Guess? Ohio State
JAYLEN KELLY-POWELL • DETROIT, MI (CASS TECH) • BIGGEST THREAT: MICHIGAN
Why Ohio State? As with virtually any top prospect from the Mitten State, JKP has built an impressive relationship with Coach Coombs.
We talk about everything. Family (his and mine), school, football, life. We've been talking for over a year. Months before he ever offered. A foundation was set and it wasn't all about football.
The four-star is expected to be back in Columbus this weekend.
Why not Ohio State? Kelly-Powell's recruitment seems to be totally up in the air right now. He's taken two recent visits to Michigan but also took a West Coast trip to scope things out at UCLA. The Buckeyes' secondary class already has two safeties in Isaiah Pryor and Brendon White – though one or both could end up at linebacker – and Jeffrey Okudah is certainly the top target left on the board. The Spartans could also be a factor but they probably didn't help themselves by offering a little bit later than most.
Best Guess? Michigan
JAYLEN HARRIS • WR • CLEVELAND, OH (CLEVELAND HEIGHTS) • BIGGEST THREAT: MICHIGAN STATE
Why Ohio State? The Buckeyes have been the perceived favorites for the state's top wideout for some time now. The four-star was in Columbus for Ohio State's junior day in late January, and he – along with his mother – have maintained a close relationship with Tony Alford. Harris is expected to make a return trip this spring, likely for the April 16th spring game.
Why not Ohio State? Harris has definitely expressed interest in schools like Michigan State, Tennessee, and Alabama. He camped in Tuscaloosa last summer and has discussed getting back down there for a return trip. Depending on the timing of Trevon Grimes and his potential commitment, a school like Michigan State could use that against the Buckeyes. Harris also checked out East Lansing last summer.
Best Guess? Ohio State
ROBERT HAINSEY • OL • BRADENTON, FL (IMG ACADEMY) • BIGGEST THREAT: MICHIGAN STATE
Why Ohio State? Hainsey, a Pittsburgh native, was last in Columbus for the 2015 version of Friday Night Lights. He would go on to earn an offer two months later. At 6-foot-4 and 275 pounds, he projects as more of a guard at the next level. While the Buckeyes already have two elite tackles in the class, they are searching for at least one interior lineman. Ohio State is set to host the country's third-ranked guard this weekend.
Why not Ohio State? The Spartans and Nittany Lions are both in a good spot right now, so this weekend's visit will be of the utmost importance. Notre Dame extended an offer this week and they could potentially be a factor as well, but right now it may be too early to tell how this one unfolds.
Best Guess? Michigan State
