Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class faced a couple of setbacks recently, with four-star edge Justin Hill committing to Alabama and five-star wideout Dakorien Moore choosing Oregon. However, the Buckeyes are poised to turn things around quickly.
Key Upcoming Commitments
Damien Shanklin’s Decision
On Friday at 5:30 p.m., four-star edge rusher Damien Shanklin, ranked No. 110 overall and No. 10 among edge rushers, will announce his college choice. Shanklin’s final contenders are LSU, Ohio State, Tennessee, and Alabama. Although LSU is the expected destination for the Indiana prospect, his addition would bring Ohio State’s total of defensive linemen in the class to six, joining Zion Grady, Sahir Mathis, London Merritt, Maxwell Roy, and Trajen Odom.
Riley Pettijohn’s Commitment
On Saturday at 1:00 p.m., five-star linebacker Riley Pettijohn will declare his commitment. The Texas native is deciding between Texas A&M, Texas, USC, and Ohio State. Ohio State is considered the favorite in this recruitment. Adding Pettijohn, ranked No. 31 overall and No. 4 among linebackers, would pair him with Tarvos “TJ” Alford, giving the Buckeyes the No. 4 and No. 5 linebackers in the 2025 class.
Oregon’s Rising Challenge
Oregon continues to enhance its roster, becoming a formidable contender in the Big Ten. Following the commitment of five-star Dakorien Moore, the Ducks now boast pledges from three five-star recruits: wideout Dallas Wilson and cornerback Dorian Brew, along with Moore. This influx of talent has propelled Oregon to the No. 5 spot in the 2025 rankings, according to 247Sports, with the second-highest average player rating behind Alabama. Of Oregon’s 15 commits, 14 are four or five-star prospects.
Ohio State’s Position
Despite recent losses, Ohio State remains a powerhouse in college football recruiting. The potential addition of Riley Pettijohn could provide the momentum needed to solidify their 2025 class. However, with Oregon’s emergence as a strong competitor in the Big Ten, the Buckeyes face new challenges. The Ducks are now recruiting at a level comparable to the nation’s elite programs, adding another layer of competition for top talent.
Head Coach Ryan Day and his staff are working diligently to secure top prospects and maintain Ohio State’s status as a premier destination for elite recruits. The upcoming commitments of Shanklin and Pettijohn will be crucial in shaping the Buckeyes’ 2025 class and addressing the growing competition within the Big Ten.
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