Photos: Ohio State hosts commits, targets for season opener against Akron
COLUMBUS — Ohio State made its 2024 season debut to the tune of over 100 thousand fans inside Ohio Stadium on Saturday. The Buckeyes ranked second in the country, walloped on Akron after a slow start in a 52-6 win.
Saturday’s win was highlighted by the debut of true freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. The No. 1 prospect in the 2024 cycle shined like he did in high school. He totaled 92 yards and two touchdowns on six catches. Beyond his Ohio State debut, there were more new faces in the scarlet and gray.
Quarterback Will Howard, running back Quinshon Judkins, center Seth McLaughlin, guard Austin Siereveld and guard Tegra Tshabola all made their first career starts at Ohio State.
Defensively, you couldn’t have asked much more from Ohio State. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles returns a very veteran group and added SEC Freshman of the Year Caleb Downs, who transferred from Alabama.
The Buckeyes allowed 2.8 yards per play, had five sacks, 10 tackles for loss and scored twice as a defense.
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All of this happened while a number of talented recruits and key members of the Buckeyes’ 2025 recruiting class were in town. Five-star Plus+ quarterback Tavien St. Clair and five-star linebacker Riley Pettijohn highlighted the 2025 class for the Buckeyes. Bo Jackson, Carter Lowe, Jake Cook, Eli Lee and Bodpegn Miller were the other members of the class there.
2026 Five-star Plus+ wide receiver commit Chris Henry Jr. returned to Ohio State this weekend as well. He brought with him teammates Kayden Dixon-Wyatt and Shaun Scott, two other 2026 prospects the Buckeyes are high on.
Key in-state targets Elbert Hill, Jakob Weatherspoon and Vic Singleton all were in the Horseshoe and thoroughly enjoyed their time.
Lettermen Row rolls out a photo gallery of the recruits and prospects we saw on Saturday.
