4-star LB Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng visits Ohio State

Manassas (Va.) IMG Academy four-star linebacker Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng continued his spring visit schedule this weekend, making his way up to Columbus to see Ohio State for the second time.

After visiting the likes of USC, Michigan and Georgia in recent weeks, the blue-chipper got to spend time with head coach Ryan Day and the OSU staff as the Buckeyes look to make a move in his recruitment.

Last month, Owusu-Boateng cut his list of top schools down to a Baker’s Dozen. Ohio State made the cut, as did Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Louisville, Miami, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oregon, South Carolina, Stanford, Texas and USC.

Thus far, official visits have been locked in with South Carolina (May 31), Stanford (June 6), Georgia (June 14) and Michigan (June 21). The Buckeyes could join that group following a “great” trip this weekend.

“I am big on relationships,” Owusu-Boateng told On3. “These are the schools that have reached out the most and shown the most interest in me as a player and a man. Outside of the relationships, one thing they have in common is, that they develop players. The schools on my list put guys into the NFL and they have coaches that care about life after football for their players.”

Owusu-Boateng is the nation’s No. 62 overall prospect, No. 4 linebacker and No. 8 recruit from Florida in the 2025 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking — a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

The 6-foot-2, 210-pounder previously told On3 that he is in no rush to make his college decision and will likely announce his commitment around the December signing period. Competition will remain stout for the IMG standout.

“I am going to take my time and not compromise in my decision,” he said. “Being developed as a man and a player is important to me and I am looking at it all when making a decision. Knowing what college football is today, I am looking to see who has my back and who wants the best for me.”

Ohio State Buckyes Class Breakdown

In total, the Buckeyes have 13 commitments already on the board, seven of whom rank among the top 100 nationally and 11 who check in as blue-chip (four- and five-star) recruits.

Early in the 2025 cycle, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and his staff have gotten busy. Of OSU’s 12 commitments, eight are on that side of the ball and four are in the secondary. Ohio State holds commitments from the nation’s top two cornerback recruits — Five-Star Plus+ CB Na’eem Offord and five-star corner Devin Sanchez. Their class also includes top-75 EDGE Zahir Mathis, top-70 cornerback Blake Woodby, four-star EDGE London Merritt, top-70 linebacker Tarvos Alford, four-star cornerback DeShawn Stewart, in-state standout linebacker Eli Lee and fast-rising Cleveland-area safety Cody Haddad.

On the offensive side, OSU has already locked up its quarterback in the class with elite passer Tavien St. Clair, who ranks No. 2 nationally at the position in the On300. He’s joined by Toledo (Ohio) Whitmer four-star offensive tackle Carter Lowe, and four-star wide receiver De’zie Jones.

The Buckeyes picked up Washington (Okla.) four-star tight end Nate Roberts just ahead of kickoff for its 2024 spring game on April 13.