Ohio State Buckeyes Recruiting: 2024 commit breakdown
Ohio State finished in the top five of the 2023 recruiting rankings a cycle ago, now Ryan Day and his staff are gunning for the top class in the nation. Ohio State currently holds commitments from 22 prospects in the 2024 class. 13 of those pledges play offense and nine come from the defense.
That group of commitments rates as the No. 3 overall class in the 2024 On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings — one spot behind Georgia. The Buckeyes also sit first in the Big Ten.
Ohio State Class Breakdown
Ohio State’s class consists of four five-stars, 11 four-stars and seven three-star prospects. The five-star recruits committed to Ohio State are Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, New Haven (Ind.) wide receiver Mylan Graham, Springfield (Ohio) cornerback Aaron Scott Jr. and Buford (Ga.) defensive lineman Eddrick Houston.
Three additional pledges rank inside the top 100 of the On3 Industry Ranking: Fairburn (Ga.) Langston Hughes four-star quarterback Air Noland, Cleveland Glenville four-star cornerback Bryce West, and Saint Louis Christian Brothers College four-star wide receiver Jeremiah McClellan.
Four-star and five-star prospects are rated as ‘blue-chip’ prospects — Ohio State’s class sits No. 5 in the nation in blue-chip percentage at 71.43%. The average distance of an Ohio State recruit’s hometown to Columbus is 436.5 miles and 33% of the class hails from the state of Ohio.
Top Ohio State Commit: WR Jeremiah Smith
Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna Prep Five-Star Plus+ wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is the nation’s top prospect. He committed to the Buckeyes in December 2022 and while he continues to take visits around the Southeast, plans to enroll early in Columbus. On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power writes this about Smith as a prospect:
“One of the more talented and well-rounded receiver prospects in recent cycles. The highest-rated wide receiver prospect from Florida in well over a decade. A big, skilled receiver with fluidity and savvy for the position. Measured in at 6-foot-3 and around 200 pounds with a 32.5-inch arm prior to his senior season. Had a breakout junior season, catching 58 passes for 1,073 yards and 20 touchdowns while leading Chaminade-Madonna to a state title. A very polished route-runner at this stage with rare ability to change directions at his size. Smooth mover with technical refinement that allows for separation. Regularly stacks cornerbacks off the line.
“Pairs his route-running ability with advanced ball skills. Has strong hands and comes down with catches in traffic. A high-level ball tracker with the ability to locate the football over his shoulder. Capable of making fantastic one-handed grabs. Also flashes ability after the catch. Has the size to run through contact and a long stride to pull away in the open field. Also a strong track athlete winning state titles in the 110-meter and 400-meter hurdles as a junior. An extremely well-rounded prospect with a high floor and ceiling. Looks like a prototypical X wide receiver prospect with considerable traits and skills that point to an upside as a high draft pick.”
Top Defensive Commit: EDGE Eddrick Houston
Buford (Ga.) five-star EDGE Eddrick Houston is the latest blue-chipper to enter the fold for the Buckeyes, as he committed on Aug. 22. He is the No. 31 prospect in the 2024 cycle and the No. 4 EDGE. Power writes this about him as a prospect:
“Powerful, versatile defensive lineman who imposes his will on opposing offensive linemen. Measured in at a shade under 6-foot-4, 275 pounds prior to his senior season. Added significant mass during his junior season. Has a naturally large frame with plus length for the position with arms that measure 34 inches. Primarily lines up as a defensive end in a 3-man front for Georgia power Buford High, where he faces strong competition.. A physical, high effort player who is active as a run defender. Capable of setting the edge. Shows the motor and athleticism to make high level plays in pursuit. Primarily a straight line pass rusher at this point.
…Looks to overpower offensive linemen with his bull rush. Has the length and speed to power to walk offensive linemen back to the quarterback. More of a linear athlete at this time. Will need to improve his bend flexibility if he’s to stick on the edge long-term. Could grow into a defensive tackle or play as a 4i in a 3-man front. Also has a wrestling background and runs track. Has a wrestling background and also runs track.”