It is no secret that for Ohio State, when it comes to recruiting the best players from inside Ohio’s borders, the plan has always been to keep the top in-state talent at home and playing in the scarlet and gray. Does it always work out that way? No. But more often than not, the program has had success in doing so.
It was just three months ago that five-star safety Sonny Styles of Pickerington Central (OH) was the leader in the clubhouse for top in-state target for Ohio State in the 2023 recruiting class. But the 6-foot-4, 215-pounder had different plans and decided to reclassify becoming a member of the 2022 cycle and inking with the program in mid-December.