Ohio State football’s recruiting efforts continue to gain momentum as the Buckeyes extend offers to top-tier prospects and host numerous high-profile visitors for spring. On Thursday, Ohio State made headlines by offering Aaryn Washington, a standout 2027 cornerback from California’s prestigious Mater Dei High School. At 6-foot, 160 pounds, Washington is already garnering significant attention as one of the top defensive back prospects in the country, ranking as the No. 50 overall player nationally and the fifth-best cornerback according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.

Mater Dei has long been a powerhouse in producing elite football talent, and with Ohio State already having a connection through 2026 commit Chris Henry Jr., the Buckeyes’ recruitment of Washington is bolstered by this existing relationship. Washington’s offer list includes other football powerhouses like Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and USC, but Ohio State is poised to leverage its strong reputation, particularly under the guidance of cornerbacks coach Tim Walton. Walton’s proven track record of developing defensive backs into NFL-caliber talent will be a major selling point as the Buckeyes work to keep Washington in their sights and bring him to campus for a visit sooner rather than later.

In addition to offering Washington, Ohio State is actively engaging with a wide range of talented players across multiple positions, further enhancing their spring recruiting efforts. Among the newest names to be added to the Buckeyes’ list of spring visitors is James Harris, a 6-foot-2, 225-pound edge rusher from Texas. Harris, who is still unranked by 247Sports, has already scheduled visits to other major programs, including Houston, TCU, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech. His upcoming trip to Ohio State on March 24 could mark a pivotal moment in his recruitment, potentially leading to an offer from the Buckeyes. Given the intensity of interest in Harris, it is expected that Ohio State will make its move soon if they hope to secure his commitment.

Another notable prospect planning a visit is Amar’e Miller, a safety from Pickerington, Ohio, who will be on campus for an unofficial visit on April 8. Miller, ranked as the No. 1011 player nationally and the 78th-best safety in the 2026 class, has offers from schools like Akron, Bowling Green, and Central Michigan, though Ohio State has yet to extend one. Despite not having an offer from the Buckeyes, Miller’s visit signals the program’s ongoing interest in recruiting top talent from its home state. Ohio State is a contender for several elite safety prospects in the 2026 class, so keeping an eye on local players like Miller is critical in strengthening the state’s pipeline to the program.

Looking ahead, the Buckeyes are also focused on securing a visit from 2027 defensive tackle target Khyren Haywood, who will be in Columbus for an unofficial visit in June. Haywood, a 6-foot-2, 275-pound defensive tackle from Michigan, holds over 20 offers from programs such as LSU, Oregon, Texas, and USC. While Ohio State has not yet extended an offer, a visit in June could be the tipping point that leads to the Buckeyes entering the race for his commitment.

Overall, Ohio State’s recruiting strategy is paying off as the staff continues to make significant strides with top-tier prospects. With multiple spring visits scheduled, the Buckeyes are well-positioned to secure a strong class in the coming years, leveraging both their national reputation and local ties to build a championship-contending team. As the recruiting cycle continues, Ohio State’s momentum is sure to keep building, and their ability to bring in top talent from all corners of the country will be crucial to maintaining their status among the nation’s elite programs.