Multiple Buckeye targets shutting down their recruitments, making plans for decision dates

It looked to be another busy day on the practice field for the Buckeyes on Thursday as they continue to prep for the season opener. Freshman quarterback Kyle McCord has lost his black stripe, which of course shows the young talent already starting to come into their own. It’s a time where all sights are on the current roster, but even during a non-stop camp season, the Buckeyes are still in the recruiting news as multiple targets made it known they are ready to announce their commitments.

Buckeye tight end target ready to announce commitment

Ohio State’s tight end recruiting efforts in the 2022 class had been completed for months, but the de-commitment by North Carolina native Benji Gosnell certainly threw a wrench into things. While he could in theory once again join the 2022 class, that’s a rarity to see someone come back to their original commitment. Yes, the Buckeyes still have Bennett Christian locked in and may or may not even take a second tight end moving forward, but if that were to be the case, you’d have to think they’d look at taking two again in the 2023 class. However it breaks down, Ohio State is still in solid shape.

A new development recently, there’s been another name for Ohio State and their tight end recruiting efforts. Theodor Melin Öhrström, a Swedish product in the 2023 class, has been linked to the Buckeyes the last couple of weeks. The 14th best tight end in the country for his class, Öhrström is also considered as the 180th best player regardless of position per the 247Sports Composite. Additionally, he holds double-digit offers to his name from some big time programs such as Alabama, LSU, Texas A&M, Ohio State, and more.

What makes Öhrström an interesting prospect though is the potential for him to reclassify his status and move up to the 2022 class. With the Buckeyes pursuing him, it makes sense why the staff likes the idea of him moving up a grade because if they were able to land him, it of course fills the gap caused by the Gosnell de-commitment.

Time will tell soon enough, as Öhrström has announced that his commitment is coming on Wednesday, August 18. Deciding between Texas A&M, LSU, and Ohio State, these three programs are the only ones still being considered. As for a favorite, Texas A&M has every 247Sports Crystal Ball prediction in their favor, and while that isn’t a lock, it still gives off a pretty telling feeling for where he is likely heading. Ohio State is still in it, but they may have been a little late to the party.

Top receiver in the country looks ready to decide

When it comes to receiver recruiting, there’s nobody in all of college football better than Brian Hartline. What coach Hart has done at the helm of the position group since he took over has been incredible to say the least. Whether it’s landing the top receivers in the country in multiple recruiting cycles or his on-field development, Hartline has done more than anyone could ask for, and he shows no signs of stopping any time soon.

In the 2023 class, Ohio State honestly should expect more of the same, and they likely will in terms of landing elite talent. The nation’s No. 1 receiver in the 2023 class is Brandon Inniss, and on Thursday he announced that he would be making his commitment in just over a week on August 22. A Florida native out of American Heritage, not only is Inniss the top receiver in the class, but he’s also the ninth-best player nationally regardless of positions. A true five-star in every category, Inniss is one of the most sought after players in the entire country.

Inniss did visit in June and looked to really enjoy his time in Columbus with coach Hartline, but it’s been Oklahoma who has seen the most attention in his recruitment and are the frontrunners to land his commitment, as they are the only program with Crystal Ball predictions in their favor. With a final five of Miami, Alabama, Ohio State, Florida, and Oklahoma, the Buckeyes do still have a shot, but again the Sooners look to be the obvious choice come decision time.

What’s important here is to remember how early this commitment is coming considering the 2023 class doesn’t even sign for over a year. If Inniss does choose Oklahoma, it won’t be a big surprise, but that also doesn’t mean the Buckeyes and Hartline will stop recruiting him either. If he’s a priority they’ll pursue him until he signs on the dotted line. Regardless of what happens, expect Ohio State to come out smelling like roses in 2023 when it comes to their receiver recruiting.

Quick Hits

• One more for good measure, a third Ohio State target made headlines Thursday when he named a decision date for his commitment. Buford, Georgia native Jake Pope is set to commit this coming Monday, August 16 between North Carolina, Ohio State, Alabama, and Notre Dame. The 26th best safety in the class and the 373rd best player nationally, Pope has two Crystal Balls logged for Alabama. If that’s the case, the Buckeyes will still be in great shape, as they still are in good position for their top two targets at the position in Zion Branch and Xavier Nwankpa.