Happy Early Signing Period week, everybody.
We’ve got a lot to discuss in Monday’s Hurry-Up, so let’s get to it.
Buckeyes offer No. 1 2025 QB Underwood
On the same day Ohio State lost the commitment from the top-ranked player in the 2024 class, the Buckeyes offered the top-ranked signal-caller in the 2025 cycle, five-star Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood. Underwood received the offer while visiting OSU for a bowl practice Saturday.
Blessed to Receive A offer from Ohio State University #GoBuckeyes pic.twitter.com/H5LAOy5Wm7
— Bryce Jay Underwood (@BryceUnderwoo16) December 17, 2022
Underwood is the No. 3 overall prospect in 2025 per 247Sports’ composite rankings and holds 24 Division I offers, including the likes of Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Kentucky, Cincinnati, Louisville, Maryland, Miami, Missouri, Pittsburgh and Washington.
The 6-foot-2, 200-pound prospect led Belleville High School (Belleville, Michigan) to a perfect 14-0 season after passing for 2,751 yards and 37 touchdowns with a 65 percent completion rate and 642 rushing yards. He also led his team to a state title as a freshman with a 13-1 record, throwing for 2,888 yards with 39 touchdown passes and a 62 percent completion rate.
He’s only the second quarterback the Buckeyes have offered in the 2025 class, joining Ohio prospect Ryan Montgomery.
Cornelius sets decision for Wednesday
Five-star defensive ends Damon Wilson and Matayo Uiagalelei won’t be the only prospects making a decision on signing day that potentially impacts Ohio State. Rhode Island transfer offensive tackle Ajani Cornelius announced via Instagram he will make a commitment at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Since entering the transfer portal, Cornelius has taken official visits to Nebraska, Oregon, Tennessee and Ohio State. OSU received the final official visit, with Cornelius attending the Buckeyes’ bowl practice on Saturday. Of the three transfer offensive tackles OSU has offered this month, Cornelius turned in the best Pro Football Focus grade this season.
My family and I really enjoyed our visit at The Ohio State University this weekend. Thank you! @ryandaytime @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/LEnt9q6uAW
— Ajani Cornelius (@AJCornelius65) December 19, 2022
On Wednesday, OSU will know if it has its coveted transfer offensive tackle for next season or if it will need to turn its attention to other options.
Dippre enjoys visit to OSU
Cornelius isn’t the only high-profile transfer the Buckeyes are pursuing. Ohio State hosted Maryland tight end transfer CJ Dippre on a visit Saturday, and it was a productive trip for both parties.
“It was awesome,” Dippre told 247Sports. “I saw practice. That was awesome. They have some of the best players in the country.”
In 12 games for Maryland this season, Dippre caught 30 passes for 314 yards and scored three touchdowns. Dippre is heavily considering both Alabama and Ohio State for his commitment and said both schools “are even” at this time. Dippre also visited Alabama earlier this month.
Dippre does not have a commitment date set at the moment and said he may take additional visits in January after the dead period is lifted.
Rudzinski gets PWO offer
An Ohio State legacy has received an opportunity to be a preferred walk-on next season. Ryan Rudzinski, the son of former OSU linebacker Jerry Rudzinski, could follow in his father’s footsteps and play for the Buckeyes if he so chooses, only he’d be a safety instead of a linebacker.
Extremely grateful and honored to receive a PWO to The Ohio State University!! @OhioStateFB @ryandaytime @Coach_Eliano @OSUCoachHinton @N_Murph @etwill21 pic.twitter.com/Op9fxK13nG
— Ryan Rudzinski (@rudzinski_ryan) December 19, 2022
The Columbus product racked up 10 interceptions and made 89 tackles this season for Bishop Watterson. His father, Jerry, played for OSU from 1994 to 1998 and was a captain for the Buckeyes.
Fletcher commits to Miami
One-time Ohio State running back commit Mark Fletcher has a new home as the Florida prospect committed to Miami on Sunday.
Im home @Hayesfawcett3 pic.twitter.com/AVwvZ6rhwE
— MarkFletcherjr (@fletcherjr_mark) December 19, 2022
Fletcher decommitted from OSU in November, and since then, OSU has explored other options at running back, such as re-engaging with Rueben Owens, Justice Haynes and Jamarion Wilcox. OSU did host three-star 2023 Ohio running back Lamar Sperling on a visit this weekend, but have yet to make an offer to the Akron product. As of now, however, it appears unlikely the Buckeyes will sign a running back on Wednesday, which could mean going without a running back in the 2023 class.
