Buckeyes Secure Elite 2024 Class Despite Early Signing Period Chaos

When the news became official, even Ryan Day couldn’t help but heave a sigh of relief.

The Ohio State coach shook his head, exhaled, and relieved himself of any concerns about what could have been a devastating blow to the 2024 recruiting class. Day’s joyous reaction was contingent on five-star receiver Jeremiah Smith, the nation’s best prospect, adhering to his promise to play for the Buckeyes over staying in Florida to play for Miami.

.While Ohio State may be able to land another high-profile pass-catcher, players like Smith only come along once every cycle. The Early Signing Period has always been loaded with drama as players reveal where they will attend school for the following three or four years in various ways. However, in a new era dominated by name, image, and resemblance, coaches’ stomachs are knotted until the pen is dry and a player is signed.

“There’s a lot of variables in place now that weren’t in the past so there’s a little bit more unknown than previously,” said Day. “You’re not always sure of all the details of everything that’s going on.” Smith was one of numerous Ohio State commitments who could have changed their minds after Wednesday’s debacle.

Eddrick Houston, a five-star defensive lineman, was on the verge of leaving Ohio State for Alabama. The loss of two top players would be devastating in the long run. Under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, Houston has the potential to become the next Nick Bosa. With Brian Hartline signed for next season, Smith might become a Garrett Wilson/Chris Olave/Marvin Harrison Jr. clone.

Finally, both players elected to honor their obligations. Day smiled when Houston stated he wasn’t going to Title Town after all, just like Smith did when he said he was going to Columbus. “I’m really, really excited about Eddrick,” Day stated in response. “Larry put in a lot of effort on this one.

He comes from an incredible program in Buford, Georgia. We believe he will have an immediate impact. It had been a long road to signing day. However, we recognized him early on as a game changer. That was significant for us.” The Buckeyes are still sending defensive linemen and wide receivers to the NFL early.

Harrison, the first Buckeyes receiver to be named a Heisman contender, is anticipated to be drafted in the top five in April. Both the Bosa brothers and Chase Young were first-round picks in their respective draft classes.

Maybe it wasn’t the reason Houston stayed with Ohio State. It was clearly a consideration for Smith. “They produce first-round receivers, and I want to be the next first-rounder to come out of Ohio State,” Smith said after announcing his decision.

On Wednesday, not everything went well. At the last second, four-star receiver Jeremiah McClellan flipped to prospective Big Ten opponent Oregon. Justin Scott, a five-star lineman, flipped to Miami earlier this month.

While the losses are painful, nothing compares to acquiring players like Houston and Smith. Day smiled when asked what was next. “I mean, the first beer is going to taste good,” he told me.