Nation's No. 1 OL Brandon Baker set for Ohio State visit

Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei four-star offensive tackle Brandon Baker is one of the nation’s top recruits — regardless of position — and he’ll be at Ohio State on Monday.

Baker tweeted that he’ll be in Columbus for an unofficial visit with the Buckeyes, his first known trip to Ohio State.

Catch me in the horseshoe tomorrow! Ohio what’s the word? @CoachJFrye @ryandaytime @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/R97cGdIpsm

— Brandon Baker (@BrandonBaker73) March 19, 2023

Baker is the No. 29 overall prospect and No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 2 player in California. 

On3 rates Baker higher than other recruiting services, according to the Industry Comparison. Per the 2024 On300, he is the No. 27 overall prospect in the country.

Baker first emerged as a sophomore, earning Max Preps Sophomore All-America honors. Baker then took his game to another level in 2022, earning first-team all-county honors from the Orange County Register and Max Preps second-team All-America recognition.

Brandon Baker mulling over multiple options

The Buckeyes aren’t the only top program he is considering, but Baker has had high praise for Ohio State and its staff.

“USC and Oregon are definitely showing that to me,” Baker said about schools making him feel like a priority. “So is Michigan. (Co-offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Sherrone) Moore is definitely trying to emphasize I’m one of the top guys in my class. He loves my film. Same with Ohio State. (Offensive line coach Justin) Frye, a guy that I have a strong relationship with. Down the line, definitely looking forward to that, as well.”

In addition to the Buckeyes, USC, Miami, Colorado and Washington have hosted Baker for visits this spring, and he’s also expected to see Nebraska next weekend.

Ohio State currently has four prospects committed this cycle, including a pair of offensive linemen. Four-star interior lineman Ian Moore committed to the Buckeyes and in-stater Marc Nave added his name to the commit list earlier this month.

Baker has an On3 NIL Valuation of $185K. The On3 NIL Valuation is the industry’s leading index that sets high school and college athletes’ projected annual value (PAV). The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.