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Here's where Ohio State football has recruited most in the past five classes

Colin Gay, The Columbus Dispatch
·8 min read

Since Ryan Day took over as Ohio State football's head coach in 2019, the Buckeyes' string of recruiting successes has continued.

After finishing with a composite ranking of 14th in 2019, sitting behind leader Alabama and Big Ten programs Michigan and Penn State, Ohio State has had four straight top-five classes, signing 16 five-star athletes in the past five classes.

But where are all these high school players coming from?

Since Day took over in 2019, Ohio State has signed 106 players from 24 different states, including 32 players from Ohio. The Buckeyes have also signed more than five players from Florida, Texas, Georgia and Indiana in the past five recruiting classes.

In the past five years, Ohio State has signed 14 players who were the top-ranked prospect from their state according to 247Sports' composite rankings: defensive end Zach Harrison (Ohio), wide receiver Jameson Williams (Missouri), wide receiver Julian Fleming (Pennsylvania) , offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. (Ohio), linebacker Cody Simon (New Jersey), quarterback Quinn Ewers (Texas), defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau (Washington), defensive end Jack Sawyer (Ohio), cornerback JK Johnson (Missouri), linebacker C.J. Hicks (Ohio), quarterback Devin Brown (Utah), cornerback Jermaine Mathews (Ohio), wide receiver Noah Rogers (North Carolina) and quarterback Lincoln Kienholz (South Dakota).

Here's a look at each recruit Ohio State has signed in the past five recruiting classes and where they were signed out of.

Ohio: 32

Dec 29, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer (33) spells out O-H-I-O with his hands as he stretches with defensive tackle Taron Vincent (6) during a team practice for the Peach Bowl game against the Georgia Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff semifinal at Mercedes Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch

  • DL Jack Sawyer: No. 5 in 2021 class, Pickerington North

  • LB C.J. Hicks: No. 7 in 2022 class, Dayton

  • OT Paris Johnson Jr.: No. 9 in 2020 class, Cincinnati

  • DE Zach Harrison: No. 12 in 2019 class, Olentangy Orange

  • SAF Sonny Styles: No. 12 in 2022 class, Pickerington Central

  • CB Jermaine Mathews: No. 51 in 2023 class, Cincinnati

  • DL Mike Hall Jr.: No. 53 in 2021 class, Streetsboro

  • LB Reid Carrico: No. 87 in 2021 class, Ironton

  • OL Luke Montgomery: No. 92 in 2023 class, Findlay

  • WR Jayden Ballard: No. 99 in 2021 class, Massillon

  • LB Gabe Powers: No. 101 in 2022 class, Marysville

  • OT Tegra Tshabola: No. 104 in 2022 class, West Chester

  • LB (TE) Cade Stover: No. 114 in 2019 class, Mansfield

  • OL Ben Christman: No. 124 in 2021 class, Richfield

  • SAF Malik Hartford: No. 150 in 2023 class, West Chester

  • DT Darrion Henry-Young: No. 154 in 2020 class, Cincinnati

  • CB Jyaire Brown: No. 192 in 2022 class, West Chester

  • LB Arvell Reese: No. 209 in 2023 class, Cleveland

  • OL Joshua Padilla: No. 229 in 2023 class, Dayton

  • DL Will Smith Jr.: No. 244 in 2023 class, Dublin

  • OT Ryan Jacoby: No. 297 in 2019 class, Mentor

  • OL Austin Siereveld: No. 298 in 2023 class, Middletown

  • LB Tommy Eichenberg: No. 318 in 2019 class, Cleveland

  • DE Noah Potter: No. 322 in 2019 class, Mentor

  • SAF Jaylen Johnson: No. 406 in 2021 class, Cincinnati

  • TE Joe Royer: No. 413 in 2020 class, Cincinnati

  • RB Miyan Williams: No. 627 in 2020 class, Cincinnati

  • OL Avery Henry: No. 721 in 2022 class, Saint Clairsville

  • DL Ty Hamilton: No. 762 in 2020 class, Pickerington Central

  • OG Jakob James: No. 852 in 2020 class, Cincinnati

  • OT Trey Leroux: Not ranked in 2020 class, Norwalk

  • K Jake Seibert: Not ranked in 2020 class, Cincinnati

Florida: 10

Brandon Inniss at Ohio State, Notre Dame game on September 3, 2022.
Brandon Inniss at Ohio State, Notre Dame game on September 3, 2022.

  • WR Brandon Inniss: No. 35 in 2023 class, Fort Lauderdale

  • WR Carnell Tate: No. 59 in 2023 class, Bradenton (Originally from Chicago)

  • DE Kenyatta Jackson Jr.: No. 60 in 2022 class, Hollywood

  • CB Ryan Turner: No. 341 in 2022 class, Hollywood

  • ATH (SAF) Kye Stokes, No. 351 in 2022 class, Seffner

  • WR Bryson Rodgers: No. 355 in 2023 class, Zephyrhills

  • CB Lejond Cavazos: No. 352 in 2020 class, Bradenton (Originally from San Antonio, Texas)

  • SAF Cedrick Hawkins: No. 355 in 2023 class, Cocoa

  • RB Marcus Crowley: No. 362 in 2019 class, Jacksonville

  • LS Mason Arnold: Not ranked in 2021 class, Tampa

Texas: 8

Quinn Ewers skipped his senior season at Southlake Carroll High School to sign early with Ohio State, but he spent the 2021 season on the sideline and redshirted. He transferred to Texas, the school to which he had originally committed, and earned the starting spot.
Quinn Ewers skipped his senior season at Southlake Carroll High School to sign early with Ohio State, but he spent the 2021 season on the sideline and redshirted. He transferred to Texas, the school to which he had originally committed, and earned the starting spot.

  • QB Quinn Ewers: No. 1 in 2021 class, Southlake

  • OT Donovan Jackson: No. 19 in 2021 class, Bellaire

  • WR Garrett Wilson: No. 20 in 2019 class, Austin

  • WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba: No. 29 in 2020 class, Rockwall

  • CB Calvin Simpson-Hunt: No. 62 in 2023 class, Waxahachie

  • DE Omari Abor: No. 63 in 2022 class, Duncanville

  • WR Caleb Burton: No.. 132, Austin

  • SAF Ryan Watts: No. 202 in 2020 class, Little Elm

Georgia: 7

Ohio State guard Harry Miller (76) joins his teammates in singing "Carmen Ohio" after last week's win at Penn State, against whom Miller earned a "champion" performance from coaches.
Ohio State guard Harry Miller (76) joins his teammates in singing "Carmen Ohio" after last week's win at Penn State, against whom Miller earned a "champion" performance from coaches.

  • OC Harry Miller: No. 30 in 2019 class, Buford

  • CB Jordan Hancock: No. 73 in 2021 class, Suwanee

  • TE Jelani Thurman: No. 104 in 2023 class, Fairburn

  • WR Kojo Antwi: No. 151 in 2022 class, Suwanee

  • ATH (LB) Steele Chambers: No. 236, Roswell

  • DL Kayden McDonald: No. 260 in 2023 class, Suwanee

  • TE Bennett Christian: No. 408 in 2022 class, Acworth

Indiana: 6

Recruit Joshua Mickens visits Ohio Stadium during the Ohio State, Michigan game.
Recruit Joshua Mickens visits Ohio Stadium during the Ohio State, Michigan game.

  • DE Joshua Mickens: No. 119 in 2023 class, Indianapolis

  • DE Caden Curry: No. 123 in 2022 class, Greenswood

  • OT Zen Michalski: No. 306 in 2021 class, Floyds Knob

  • OG Josh Fryar: No. 510 in 2020 class, Beech Grove

  • ATH (SAF) Craig Young: No. 605 in 2019 class, Fort Wayne

  • OT Dawand Jones: Not ranked in 2019 class, Indianapolis

Arizona 4

Mar 9, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Kyion Grayes (7) works out during spring football practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch
Mar 9, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Kyion Grayes (7) works out during spring football practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch

New Jersey: 4

Mar 7, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Cody Simon (30) yells to teammates during spring football drills at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch
Mar 7, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Cody Simon (30) yells to teammates during spring football drills at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch

  • LB Cody Simon: No. 75 in 2020 class, Jersey City

  • OC Luke Wypler: No. 108 in 2020 class, Montvale

  • SAF Ronnie Hickman: No. 115 in 2019 class, Wayne

  • SAF Jayden Bonsu: No. 273 in 2023 class, Jersey City

North Carolina: 4

Apr 15, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, United States; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Noah Rogers (80) dodges Ohio State Buckeyes safety Brenten Jones (32) during the fourth quarter of the Ohio State Buckeyes spring game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday morning. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Scheller-The Columbus Dispatch
Apr 15, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, United States; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Noah Rogers (80) dodges Ohio State Buckeyes safety Brenten Jones (32) during the fourth quarter of the Ohio State Buckeyes spring game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday morning. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Scheller-The Columbus Dispatch

  • WR Noah Rogers: No. 53 in 2023 class, Rolesville

  • RB Evan Pryor: No. 83 in 2021 class, Cornelius

  • DT Jacolbe Cowan: No. 163 in 2020 class, Charlotte

  • DT Jaden McKenzie: No. 761 in 2019 class, Wake Forest

California: 3

Oct 1, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) takes a snap from Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Luke Wypler (53) during first quarter action in the NCAA Division I football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Doral Chenoweth/The Columbus Dispatch

  • QB C.J. Stroud: No. 42 in 2020 class, Rancho Cucamonga

  • OLB (SAF) Kourt Williams II: No. 166 in 2020 class, Bellflower

  • DL Hero Kanu: No. 129 in 2022 class, Rancho Santa Margarita (Originally from Germany)

Maryland: 3

Ohio State 2023 DL commit Jason Moore said he looks forward to taking on Michigan in Ann Arbor next season.
Ohio State 2023 DL commit Jason Moore said he looks forward to taking on Michigan in Ann Arbor next season.

  • DL Jason Moore: No. 68 in 2023 class, Hysattsville

  • LB (DE) Mitchell Melton: No. 350 in 2020 class, Olney

  • SAF Bryson Shaw: No. 571 in 2019 class, Potomac

Missouri: 3

Nov 5, 2022; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback JK Johnson (4) tackles Northwestern Wildcats running back Cam Porter (4) during the second half of the NCAA football game at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch
Nov 5, 2022; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback JK Johnson (4) tackles Northwestern Wildcats running back Cam Porter (4) during the second half of the NCAA football game at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch

  • CB JK Johnson: No. 50 in 2021 class, St. Louis

  • WR Jameson Williams: No. 82 in 2019 class, St. Louis

  • WR Mookie Cooper: No. 93 in 2020 class, Maryland Heights

Pennsylvania: 3

Nov 26, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive back Will Johnson (2) hits Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Julian Fleming (4) out of bounds during the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch
Nov 26, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive back Will Johnson (2) hits Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Julian Fleming (4) out of bounds during the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch

  • WR Julian Fleming: No. 3 in 2020 class, Catawissa

  • QB Kyle McCord: No. 28 in 2021 class, Philadelphia (Originally from Mt. Laurel, New Jersey)

  • WR Marvin Harrison Jr.: No. 97 in 2021 class, Philadelphia

Tennessee: 3

Ohio State Buckeyes safety Andre Turrentine (34) catches a ball during a spring football practice at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center in Columbus on March 22, 2022.
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Andre Turrentine (34) catches a ball during a spring football practice at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center in Columbus on March 22, 2022.

  • SAF Andre Turrentine: Mo. 169 in 2021 class, Nashville

  • RB Dallan Hayden: No. 282 in 2022 class, Memphis

  • TE (DL) Cormontae Hamilton: No. 586 in 2019 class, Memphis

Washington: 3

Sep 3, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau (44) during the NCAA football game between Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Ohio Stadium.
Sep 3, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau (44) during the NCAA football game between Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Ohio Stadium.

  • DL J.T. Tuimoloau: No. 4 in 2021 class, Sammamish

  • WR Emeka Egbuka: No. 10 in 2021 class, Stellacoom

  • WR (TE) Gee Scott Jr.: No. 66 in 2020 class, Sammamish

Colorado: 2

Mar 9, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman George Fitzpatrick (68) runs during spring football practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch
Mar 9, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman George Fitzpatrick (68) runs during spring football practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch

  • OT George Fitzpatrick: No. 244 in 2022 class, Englewood

  • TE Sam Hart: No. 388 in 2021 class, Aurora

Michigan: 2

  • ATH (SAF) Cameron Martinez: No. 323 in 2020 class, Muskegon

  • OT Grant Toutant: No. 463 in 2020 class, Warren

Virginia: 2

April 15, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) is greeted by former wide receiver Garrett Wilson before the Ohio State spring football game Saturday at Ohio Stadium.Mandatory Credit: Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch
April 15, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) is greeted by former wide receiver Garrett Wilson before the Ohio State spring football game Saturday at Ohio Stadium.Mandatory Credit: Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch

Connecticut: 1

Mar 9, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Miles Walker hits a tackling dummy during spring football practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch
Mar 9, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Miles Walker hits a tackling dummy during spring football practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch

  • OT Miles Walker: No. 499 in 2023 class, Grenwich

Hawaii: 1

Mar 7, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Enokk Vimahi (66) blocks during spring football drills at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch
Mar 7, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Enokk Vimahi (66) blocks during spring football drills at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch

  • OG Enokk Vimahi: No. 124 in 2019 class, Kahuku

Illinois: 1

Apr 15, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, United States; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Kaleb Brown (13) receives the ball during the first quarter of the Ohio State Buckeyes spring game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday morning. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Scheller-The Columbus Dispatch
Apr 15, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, United States; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Kaleb Brown (13) receives the ball during the first quarter of the Ohio State Buckeyes spring game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday morning. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Scheller-The Columbus Dispatch

  • WR Kaleb Brown: No. 79 in 2022 class, Chicago

Kentucky: 1

Aug 5, 2022; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Lathan Ransom (12), Ohio State Buckeyes safety Jantzen Dunn (24) and Ohio State Buckeyes safety Kye Stokes (37) during practice at Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus, Ohio on August 5, 2022.
Aug 5, 2022; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Lathan Ransom (12), Ohio State Buckeyes safety Jantzen Dunn (24) and Ohio State Buckeyes safety Kye Stokes (37) during practice at Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus, Ohio on August 5, 2022.

  • SAF Jantzen Dunn: No. 172 in 2021 class, Bowling Green

South Dakota: 1

Recruit Lincoln Kienholz visits Ohio Stadium during the Ohio State, Michigan game.
Recruit Lincoln Kienholz visits Ohio Stadium during the Ohio State, Michigan game.

  • QB Lincoln Kienholz: No. 189 in 2023 class, Pierre

Utah: 1

Apr 15, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, United States; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Devin Brown (33) enters the field during warmups for the Ohio State Buckeyes spring game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday morning. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Scheller-The Columbus Dispatch
Apr 15, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, United States; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Devin Brown (33) enters the field during warmups for the Ohio State Buckeyes spring game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday morning. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Scheller-The Columbus Dispatch

  • QB Devin Brown: No. 43 in 2022 class, Draper (Originally from Gilbert, Arizona)

Wisconsin: 1

Mar 7, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes Carson Hinzman (75) talks to fellow offensive linemen Enokk Vimahi (66) and Josh Padilla (62) during spring football drills at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch
Mar 7, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes Carson Hinzman (75) talks to fellow offensive linemen Enokk Vimahi (66) and Josh Padilla (62) during spring football drills at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch

  • OL Carson Hinzman: No. 177 in 2022 class, Hammond

Ohio State football schedule 2023

Here's what Ohio State's 2023 football schedule looks like.

  • Sept. 2: Ohio State vs. Indiana, Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, Indiana, 3:30 p.m., CBS

  • Sept. 9: Ohio State vs. Youngstown State, Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio, 12 p.m., Big Ten Network

  • Sept. 16: Ohio State vs. Western Kentucky, Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio, 4 p.m., FOX

  • Sept. 23: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame, Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Indiana, 7:30 p.m., NBC

  • Oct. 7: Ohio State vs. Maryland, Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio, 12 p.m. or 3:30 p.m./4 p.m.

  • Oct. 14: Ohio State vs. Purdue, Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, Indiana

  • Oct. 21: Ohio State vs. Penn State, Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio

  • Oct. 28: Ohio State vs. Wisconsin, Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Wisconsin

  • Nov. 4: Ohio State vs. Rutgers, SHI Stadium, Piscataway, New Jersey

  • Nov. 11: Ohio State vs. Michigan State, Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio, 7:30 p.m., NBC

  • Nov. 18: Ohio State vs. Minnesota, Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio

  • Nov. 25: Ohio State vs. Michigan, Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 12 p.m., FOX

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Where Ohio State football has recruited most in past five classes