At the end of July 2015, Ohio State already had commitments from ten 2017 prospects. Two of those players – Akron's Todd Sibley and Florida's Bruce Judson – have since moved on, but that doesn't change the fact that the Buckeyes got off to an extremely fast start.
Things obviously have continued to go well for the 2017 class as Ohio State still sits atop the team rankings. The Buckeyes have a legitimate shot to sign anywhere between six and ten 5-star prospects, which is absolutely absurd. Needless to say, things haven't exactly slowed down since last July, even if the current number of commits (14) is only slightly more than where we were sitting last year around the same time.
The 2018 class is off to a much different start. So far, Urban Meyer has yet to land a single pledge for the 2018 class. Is that some sort of problem? Absolutely not, but it is a much different pace than what we saw for the current class.
Right now it's practically pointless to talk about available scholarships because there are just way too many variables to watch between now and February of 2018. However, there are some players who are in the running to be the first to join the fray.
EMORY JONES • QB • FRANKLIN, GA (HEARD COUNTY) • COMPOSITE RANKING: NO. 42
We have been talking about Emory Jones for a while now and will continue to do so until he makes an announcement. Tennessee was absolutely the frontrunner until the Buckeyes came calling with an offer. Since that offer, Ohio State has been presumed to be in the driver's seat. Jones visited Columbus in mid-June and then took trips to both Tennessee and Clemson. It was thought that a decision could come before the end of June, but that clearly has not happened.
Most recent reports indicate that the nation's second-ranked dual threat quarterback will return to Knoxville in late July and then check out Friday Night Lights in Columbus. While no definitive timetable has been set, it's reasonable to assume that a decision could come shortly thereafter.
The wait may be lasting a little longer than expected, but the Buckeyes remain in a great spot and certainly could have their 2018 quarterback by the end of the summer.
JACKSON CARMAN • OT • FAIRFIELD, OH (FAIRFIELD) • COMPOSITE RANKING: NO. 20
The top-rated player in the state of Ohio currently has a crystal ball forecast that reads 100% in favor of the Buckeyes. Those prognosticators are probably onto something as there has been zero indication that the 6-foot-6, 290-pounder is leaning anywhere else.
The Wolverines appear to be a minor threat right now, but Carman has already built a heck of a relationship with the Buckeyes' staff. He visited in April for the spring game and returned again in June. While attending the spring game, the nation's third-rated tackle was walking with Urban Meyer and Co. and then there appeared to be a bit of celebration taking place. Naturally, those who saw it go down seemed to think a commitment may have taken place.
Whether that's what happened or not, there currently isn't any sort of commitment date set. However, we wouldn't be surprised if this one happened sooner rather than later.
CHRISTOPHER OATS • LB • CINCINNATI, OH (WINTON WOODS) • COMPOSITE RANKING: NO. 127
Barring something crazy, Christopher Oats is going to be spending his college days in Columbus. Ohio State offered after a camp performance in mid-June and the 6-foot-4, 215-pounder has been to Columbus three times since April. The Buckeyes are typically a bit cautious when it comes to these in-state offers, so extending one so quickly probably says a lot about how they view the Colerain standout. The Huskers and Spartans have both also offered.
When it comes to "something crazy" that could throw a wrench into things, it will be interesting to see how 2017 linebacker recruiting may impact 2018. For a while it was thought that Antjuan Simmons would be the only 2017 linebacker, but now two Texas stars – Anthony Hines and Baron Browning – are also very much in the picture and it's unlikely that either would be turned down if they wanted to hop on board. Couple that with Brendon White possibly growing into more of a linebacker and things could get interesting at the position.
PALAIE GAOTEOTE • LB • LAS VEGAS, NV (BISHOP GORMAN • COMPOSITE RANKING: NO. 39
The Buckeyes landed a nice surprise this past February when defensive tackle Haskell Garrett shocked many by announcing his intentions to play for Ohio State. Since then, Tate Martell has added more fuel to the Bishop Gorman pipeline and former Gaels' wideout Tyjon Lindsey could pull the trigger for the Buckeyes in late-August.
Bishop Gorman is also home to the nation's No. 2 outside linebacker for the 2018 class. Palaie Gaoteote is the cousin of the aforementioned Garrett. The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder spoke with LandOf10's Jeremy Birmingham about his interest in Ohio State.
“I talk to Ohio State quite a bit,” Gaoteote (pronounced Gah-oh-teh-oh-teh) told Landof10. “I’ve got to call (Ohio State linebackers coach Luke) Fickell this week. (Tate and Haskell) talk to me about Ohio State a lot,” he said. “They always remind me about Ohio State. Every day. Especially Haskell.”
Gaoteote's crystal ball currently reads 100% in favor of the Buckeyes.
DALLAS GANT • LB • TOLEDO, OH (ST. JOHN'S JESUIT) • COMPOSITE RANKING: NO. 74
Like Oats, another one of the state's top linebackers earned the coveted Buckeye offer while camping in June. Dallas Gant, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound outside linebacker from Toledo, was offered by Michigan State back in April. While the Spartans were his first "big" offer, Ohio State and Notre Dame has since followed suit.
While Gant claims no offers and has indicated that he doesn't plan on making a quick decision, he hasn't been shy about he and his family's excitement about the Ohio State offer. Right now his recruitment looks to be a Midwest battle between the Buckeyes, Irish, and Spartans.
TARON VINCENT • DT • BRADENTON, FL (IMG ACADEMY) • COMPOSITE RANKING: NO. 14
Taron Vincent has long been in the discussion to potentially be the first commit for 2018. The nation's top-rated defensive tackle was in Columbus last month and was tentatively planning on returning for the spring game. However, those plans have changed and it's no longer looking like a return trip will happen in July.
Larry Johnson's East Coast connections should pay dividends here as the five-star originally hails from Baltimore and has spoken very highly of the Buckeyes' defensive line coach.
While it may not happen in late-July like many had anticipated, the Buckeyes remain in a tremendous spot for one of the nation's top linemen. Alabama, Florida, Florida State, and Georgia have also extended offeres.
JAELEN GILL • ATH • WESTERVILLE, OH • NATIONAL COMPOSITE: NO. 29
One of the nation's top all-purpose players resides in Ohio State's backyard, but Jaelen Gill doesn't seem to be in too much of a hurry to make a decision. The 6-foot, 170-pounder was one of the few 2018 prospects to earn an invite to The Opening, but his ability on the baseball diamond may be something that could factor in to the decision-making process.
If the Westerville star does stick with football, which most think he will, then it would be a surprise for him to end up anywhere other than Ohio State. Michigan State has definitely made an impact and he's taken a number of trips elsewhere already, but most believe all of the other schools are still chasing the Buckeyes.
Even though a decision doesn't seem to be imminent, I don't think anyone would be surprised if Gill ended up in the class sometime in the near future.
