Ohio State could soon be adding to its 2022 class

The Ohio State football team is coming off a bye week following an impressive victory over Maryland. While the team got some well-deserved rest, it is back to business as usual as the Buckeyes head into a more difficult second half of their schedule. However, things are not just heating up on the football field, as the Buckeyes are well into the thick of finishing off the 2022 recruiting cycle. Ohio State will soon be learning if two of its top remaining targets in the class will choose to play in Columbus next year, starting with this afternoon.

Four-star DE to announce Tuesday

Ohio State is hoping to earn its first defensive line commitment of this year’s recruiting cycle later today. Four-star defensive end Kenyatta Jackson will be announcing his commitment at 2:00 p.m. and will be choosing between a final three of Ohio State, Alabama, and Oklahoma.

For a large part of his recruitment, Clemson was viewed as the favorites to land Jackson. However, it appears after two summer visits to Ohio State, the Buckeyes are the team to beat. Last week, a handful of predictions favoring Ohio State were submitted in the 247Sports Crystal Ball. Now, the Buckeyes hold nearly 73 percent of the predictions, with Clemson being the only other team to receive one. However, the Tigers are no longer in contention.

There are no certainties in college football recruiting and Jackson could still commit to Alabama or Oklahoma, although the Crimson Tide seem to be on the outside looking in, leaving the Sooners to be Ohio State’s biggest competition for Jackson. The blue-chip defensive end took an official visit to Oklahoma prior to his visits to Ohio State and the visit went as well as possible. That being said, Ohio State is still the favorite in this one, and the Buckeyes would love to add a commitment to their defensive line sooner than later.

Jackson is the No. 78 overall prospect in the 247Sports Composite Rankings and is the No. 7 defensive end. He is also the No. 11 recruit from the talent-rich state of Florida.

Four-star safety sets commitment date

Ohio State is also in the thick of things with another 2022 defensive recruit. The Buckeyes’ coaching staff visited with four-star safety Xavier Nwankpa last week, and now they know when he will be making his decision. Nwankpa announced late Sunday night that he would be making his decision Dec. 8 and will be deciding between Ohio State, Iowa and Notre Dame.

Ohio State has long been viewed as the favorite to land a commitment from Nwankpa, but Iowa has quickly been gaining steam. The increased attention from the hometown school will make it difficult for the Buckeyes to earn his commitment. However, Ohio State still remains the team to beat. Additionally, current Ohio State safety Lathan Ransom seems to be in Nwankpa’s ear.

Nwankpa is the No. 45 overall prospect in the 2022 class and is No. 3 at his position. He is also the No. 1 recruit from Iowa.

Quick Hits

• Ohio State sent out a handful of new offers on Monday afternoon:

- 2024 athlete KJ Bolden (No. 3 overall, No. 1 ATH)

- 2024 cornerback Ellis Robinson IV (No. 4 overall, No. 2 CB)

- 2022 offensive tackle Avery Henry (No. 132 OT, No. 45 OH)

- 2022 linebacker Jimmy Rolder (No. 61 LB, No. 10 IL)