4-Star WR Jeremiah McClellan commits to Ohio State: "It is 100% WRU"

Jeremiah McClellan is an Ohio State Buckeye. The four-star wide receiver out of St. Louis Christian Brothers College had national offers. LSU was a dream school for him. He considered the Tigers, but in the end, he chose the Big Ten program in Columbus over Missouri and Oregon.

At different times, multiple schools sat on top of McClellan’s list. Ohio State was always right there though. Brian Hartline offered McClellan when he was a sophomore. That is when it started between the two and the race ended late in June.

“I knew after my official visit that I was going to Ohio State,” McClellan told On3. “I was talking to Marvin Harrison Jr., I listened to Coach Hartline and I felt that culture one last time and I knew.

“Going into that visit, Ohio State was up there, but so was Missouri and Oregon. I liked all three schools a lot, but Ohio State is the one. I had that feeling.”

Brian Hartline was a major reason for his commitment

The No. 91 prospect in the On3 Industry Rankings had visited Columbus a couple of times prior to his official visit. What about that visit gave him clarity?

“It is about how they work,” he said. “I talked to multiple players, I know there are no handouts there, and that you must work hard for success there. That is what I was looking for. The player development was so important to me as I made this decision and I know they do that at Ohio State. They don’t make it easy, so I know I will be pushed and get better.”

Hartline’s resume speaks for itself. Many are calling Ohio State WRU these days and they have a strong case. Marvin Harrison Jr. is clearly the best wide receiver in college football. Jaxon Smith-Njigba went in the first round last year. Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave were the top two receivers drafted in 2022. History is on McClellan’s side.

“Coach Hartline will do his thing with me. I know that. It is about the way he teaches. Hart is not about yelling, he is not cursing his guys out, but he takes time to teach, talks to his players and breaks things down. Hart makes it simple and I am excited about getting to work with him.”

There is more to Ohio State than its player development

Sure, McClellan’s biggest goal is to go to Ohio State, be developed, become an All-American, then get drafted into the NFL. And that was a big part of his decision, but there was more that made Ohio State the school for him.

“Ohio State has a great culture,” McClellan said. “I know guys that went there, some former players from Christian Brothers went there, and they loved it. Hart will do his thing receiver-wise, but I am confident that Ohio State will get me right off the field too. They are known for getting their guys ready for the outside world. They really care about the players with what they do on and off the field, it checked the boxes for me.”

Hartline did his job with McClellan. He really got to know the family as well. Mom and dad are comfortable with their son heading to Columbus to be a Buckeye and it is a great feeling for one of the best in the midwest.

“My parents trust Hart and what I am going into at Ohio State,” he added. “They feel good about my decision, I feel good about it and I know I am going where I am wanted. Ohio State has the people, the tradition and the culture I want to be part of. It is 100% WRU and I am very proud to be a Buckeye.”