Ohio State trending for 4-star safety Jaylen McClain

For large portions of his recruitment, Rutgers seemed to be the team to beat for West Orange (N.J.) Seton Hall Prep four-star safety Jaylen McClain. Now another Big Ten program has emerged as an overwhelming favorite in McClain’s recruitment.

Following recent industry updates, Ohio State is the heavy favorite to land McClain’s pledge according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM). The Buckeyes sit with a 77.7% chance to land a commitment from McClain while Rutgers sits in a distant second.

Ohio State extended an offer to McClain on March 2 and he arrived on campus a little over a month later for his first visit. McClain returned on June 9 for an official visit.

“I’m excited to get back and see the whole staff again and be around the facilities and players,” McClain told On3 ahead of the official. “This time I’ll have a longer time to be around so that’s better.”

The 5-foot-11.5, 185-pounder is the No. 285 overall prospect and No. 26 safety 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. 4 player in New Jersey.

On3 rates McClain higher than other recruiting services, according to the Industry Comparison. Per the 2024 On300, he is the No. 106 overall prospect, No. 7 safety in the country and No. 1 player in New Jersey.

Jaylen McClain currently has an On3 NIL Valuation of $52K. 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.

For more Ohio State recruiting intel, check out Lettermen Row.

Ohio State 2024 class trending towards the top

The Buckeyes wrapped up the 2023 recruiting cycle with a top-three class and are on their way to building another top class this cycle.

Currently the Buckeyes have 13 pledges, including nine four-star recruits and a pair of five-star pledges. The group ranks as the No. 2 class in the country and No. 1 in the Big Ten.

Five-Star Plus+ wide receiver Jeremiah Smith headlines the Buckeyes 2024 group alongside fellow five-star receiver Mylan Graham.

The class as a whole has been offensive heavy so far headlined by offensive players like Smith, Graham and On3 top-50 quarterback Air Noland. Ohio State does hold a pair of pledges from four-star linebackers in Garrett Stover and Payton Pierce.