Ohio State Football Prospects Visiting for the Western Michigan Game: Key Recruits to Watch
As Ohio State gears up for their upcoming game against Western Michigan, the focus extends beyond just the players on the field. The Buckeyes will also be hosting several key recruits who are set to visit Columbus for this crucial matchup. These visits are pivotal for Ohio State’s recruiting efforts, as they provide an opportunity for prospects to experience the atmosphere of a game day at one of the premier programs in college football.
Top Prospects on the Radar
Javon Williams (2025 Quarterback)
Hometown: Grosse Pointe, MI
Current School: Grosse Pointe South High School
Profile: As a highly touted quarterback in the 2025 class, Williams has been a name to watch for Ohio State. His visit to the Western Michigan game will allow him to see firsthand what the Buckeyes’ offense is capable of and how he could fit into their system. With impressive arm strength and accuracy, Williams is a key target for Ohio State’s future quarterback position.
Isaiah Carter (2025 Wide Receiver)
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Current School: St. Ignatius High School
Profile: Carter is one of Ohio’s top wide receiver prospects for the 2025 class. His visit will be an opportunity for him to engage with the coaching staff and get a feel for the team’s passing game. Carter’s visit is particularly significant given his local ties and the potential impact of securing a homegrown talent for the Buckeyes.
Eli Thompson (2026 Defensive End)
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Current School: Elder High School
Profile: As a rising star in the 2026 class, Thompson is an early target for the Buckeyes. His visit will be crucial in assessing his fit within Ohio State’s defensive schemes and providing him with a glimpse of the program’s facilities and game-day environment. Thompson’s potential as a defensive end makes him a valuable recruit for the Buckeyes’ future defensive line.
Maya Collins (2024 Linebacker)
Hometown: Dayton, OH
Current School: Wayne High School
Profile: Collins, a highly-rated linebacker for the 2024 class, is another key recruit visiting for the game. His visit is an opportunity to showcase Ohio State’s defensive strategies and how they align with his playing style. Collins’ visit is vital as the Buckeyes look to strengthen their linebacker corps with top-tier talent.
Jordan Smith (2024 Offensive Tackle)
Hometown: Akron, OH
Current School: Firestone High School
Profile: Smith is a sought-after offensive tackle in the 2024 class. His visit to the Western Michigan game will allow him to evaluate Ohio State’s offensive line coaching and see how the Buckeyes’ linemen perform in a live game setting. Smith’s decision will be critical for Ohio State as they aim to bolster their offensive line with elite recruits.
Impact of the Visit
Hosting these prospects for a game against Western Michigan provides Ohio State with a prime opportunity to showcase their program’s strengths. Game-day visits offer recruits a chance to experience the atmosphere of a packed stadium, interact with the coaching staff, and observe the team’s performance up close. The energy and environment of a live game can significantly influence a recruit’s decision-making process.
Additionally, these visits allow prospects to engage with current players, who can offer insights into the program’s culture and daily life. For recruits, especially those from local high schools like Carter and Collins, this visit is a chance to envision themselves as part of the Buckeyes’ future.
Ohio State’s Recruiting Strategy
Ohio State’s recruiting strategy often revolves around building relationships with top-tier prospects and showing them what the program has to offer. By hosting high-profile recruits during key games, the Buckeyes aim to create lasting impressions and sway their decisions in favor of joining the team.
The Western Michigan game is not just about securing a victory on the field but also about making a strong impression on these potential future stars. With a mix of local talent and out-of-state prospects, Ohio State is looking to solidify their position as a leading program in college football and attract the next generation of standout players