When and where Ohio State commits play across the country as high school action returns

COLUMBUS — It’s that time of year again for Ohio State, its commits, targets and players trying to get the Buckeyes’ attention.

High school football returns across the country and while the Buckeyes are still 15 days away from their season opener against Indiana, plenty of their committed prospects take the field for Friday Night Lights.

Lettermen Row runs through the slate of commits who have games tonight or this weekend with a complete schedule and what to expect.

Offense

Quarterback Air Noland and Langston Hughes, as reigning Class 6A Georgia State Champions, return to the field for a major non-conference tilt against Carrollton. Kickoff between the Panthers and the Trojans is at 6 p.m. and will be televised nationally on ESPN 2. Carrollton returns 2026 quarterback Julian Lewis, who led the program to a state championship runner-up last fall. Noland of course is the Buckeyes’ clear-cut guy in the 2024 cycle and looks to turn in one more impressive season as a high school quarterback.

Running back Sam Williams-Dixon and Pickerington North open the season on the road Friday night in Cincinnati, Ohio, as it plays against Elder. Kickoff will start around 7 p.m. This will be William-Dixon’s first game for Pickerington.

Five-star New Haven (Ind) wide receiver Mylan Graham opens his senior season at home against Fort Wayne (Ind) Northrop. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Four-star New Palestine (Ind) offensive tackle Ian Moore kicks off his senior season on the road at Westfield (Ind). The game will start at 7 p.m. Fellow Ohio State offensive line commits, and twin brothers, Deontae and Devontae Armstrong kick off their season with St. Edward on Saturday. The reigning Division I Ohio State Champions play against Greenwood (Ind) Center Grove with a 12 p.m. kickoff.

Three-star Toledo (Ohio) Central Catholic interior offensive lineman Marc Nave also starts his senior season Friday. The Irish travel to Findlay (Ohio) for a 7 p.m. start.

And rounding out the 2024 offensive commits are tight ends Max LeBlanc and Damarion Witten. LeBlanc and Chattanooga (Tenn) Baylor School host Rabun (Ga) Gap-Nacoochee Friday night with a 7-central kick.

Witten and Glenville play in a neutral site game against Dinwiddie (Va) on Saturday with a 7 p.m. start.

2025 four-star Bellefontaine (Ohio) quarterback Tavien St. Clair stays home against Sidney (Ohio). 2026 Cincinnati (Ohio) Withrow wide receiver commit Chris Henry Jr. played against Walnut Hills on Thursday. He and the Tigers won 42-0. Henry had 80 all-purpose yards and one touchdown reception in the win.

Defense

Four-star Sunbury (Ohio) Big Walnut linebacker Garrett Stover and the Eagles make their long-awaited return to the field on Friday night. They travel to Columbus Bishop Hartley in a rematch from last year’s season opener. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.

Two of the three Buckeyes’ cornerbacks are in action Friday night as well. Four-star Springfield (Ohio) commit Aaron Scott Jr. stays home and opens the season against Cleveland (Ohio) St. Ignatius. Bryce West of Glenville plays against Dinwiddie (Va) on Saturday in a neutral-site game.

Not in Action

The following committed prospects don’t have their Week 1 this week. Their respective seasons begin next week.

• Four-star San Antonio (Texas) Veterans Memorial running back James Peoples.
• Four-star Fort Lauderdale (Fla) St. Thomas Aquinas running back Jordan Lyle.
• Five-star Hollywood (Fla) Chaminade-Madonna wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
• Four-star St. Louis (Mo) Christian Brothers wide receiver Jeremiah McClellan.
• Five-star Chicago (Ill) St. Ignatius defensive lineman Justin Scott.
• Four-star Lucas (Texas) Lovejoy linebacker Payton Pierce.
• Four-star Chandler (Ariz) Basha cornerback Miles Lockhart.
• Four-star West Orange (N.J.) Seton Hall Prep safety Jaylen McClain.