Breaking: Ohio State four-star defensive lineman has found new destination

Ohio State hosted a small but large group of recruits this weekend, concluding the visit by offering a 2025 four-star defensive lineman committed to Auburn.

Ohio State began this week after a crucial recruiting weekend. The Buckeyes hosted a small number of recruits, but each was a top focus for the program.

On campus to visit Ohio State were 2025 five-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr. (Charlotte, NC / Providence Day School), 2025 five-star safety Trey McNutt (Cleveland, Ohio / Shaker Heights), 2025 four-star edge Zion Grady (Enterprise, AL /Enterprise), and 2025 four-star defensive lineman Malik Autry, the only one of the group to make a decision, as he committed to Auburn over a year ago in February 2023.

Autry (Opelika, AL / Opelika) was the only recruit to enter the weekend without an official scholarship offer from the Buckeyes, but after his visit this weekend that quickly changed.

Blessed to receive an offer from THE Ohio State University 🌰🌰 @ryandaytime @OhioStateFB @R2X_Rushmen1 @OhioState @TheSG_Podcast @Locklyn33 @Rivals @ALLGASATHLETES @OpelikaRecruits @McCarthyAutry pic.twitter.com/Ef6dZL1uHY

— Malik Autry 🔌 (@MalikAutry) May 5, 2024

Autry departed his visit with an official scholarship offer from the Buckeyes, and Ohio State will try to lure him away from the Tigers, which will not be easy. If the Buckeyes want to flip the lineman, they’ll need to bring him back on campus as soon as possible for an official visit.

While Ohio State must work hard to earn Autry’s commitment, they have a good chance of doing it. Autry was able to develop relationships with the other recruits he was on campus with this weekend, particularly Zion Grady, who is also from Alabama.

The other three recruiters’ visits were not forgotten in the wake of Autry’s offer. Trey McNutt has long been a top safety target for the Buckeyes, as he is from Ohio and the son of a former Buckeye. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has made it a point to keep Ohio’s top talents at home, and this is true for McNutt’s recruitment.

McNutt’s visit was not his first, nor will it be his last. He hasn’t mentioned a favorite school, but the Buckeyes are now one of, if not the strongest, rivals for his recruitment.

David Sanders Jr.’s visit was both unexpected and significant. Sanders is perhaps the best recruit in the whole 2025 class and has long been a top focus for OSU. The Buckeyes appeared to be a long shot early in his recruitment, but they have recently emerged as serious candidates. The weekend visit to Ohio State is his second this spring, and the Buckeyes must enjoy spending as much time with him as possible.

The final guest to campus last weekend was four-star edge Zion Grady, who has become a top focus for the Buckeyes since the beginning of the year. OSU offered him in February, and bringing him to campus soon after was the next step in securing his recruitment. If the Buckeyes want to remain contenders, they will most likely need to bring him back to school later this spring or summer.