One of the top-ranked safeties in the 2025 class relished his recent visit to Columbus.
Five-star California safety Jadyn Hudson picked up an Ohio State offer when making his first-ever trip to Columbus on March 20.
“I had a great time talking with coaching Ryan Day and Perry Eliano,” Hudson told Eleven Warriors. “They’re both really good people. The strength and conditioning program was something I was really impressed with too. When the players are there and get work done, you can tell they work hard.”
Eliano presented the offer to Hudson, which was a special moment for him.
AG2G!! BLESSED to receive an offer from Thee Ohio State University!! Thank you coach @ryandaytime @Coach_Eliano and the rest of the staff for believing in me! @OhioStateFB @PittHSFootball @CoachBriscoeWR #GoBucks #TEAMHUDSON pic.twitter.com/ZiOY7Fkhro
— Jadyn Hudson (@JadynHudson2) March 20, 2023
“He told me he liked my game and how versatile I am," Hudson recalled. "It meant a lot because they’re a team that plays for a national championship almost every year. Potentially playing for them would be big.”
Hudson and Eliano are in the beginning stages of their relationship, as they spoke for the first time the day before his visit. But despite Ohio State recently appearing on his radar, Hudson said he’s high on the Buckeyes.
“They’re for sure one of my top schools,” he said.
Hudson said he’s studied Ohio State’s defense and is intrigued by the prospect of playing in Jim Knowles’ three-safety defense.
“It would be really cool. I do love the way they use their safeties,” Hudson said. “They’re also not afraid to use their freshmen. If you’re ready to play, then you’ll play. (Eliano) told me I’d play free safety and boundary (if I went to Ohio State).”
Per 247Sports’ composite rankings, Hudson is considered the 15th-ranked player and the third-rated safety in the 2025 cycle. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound prospect has 26 Division I offers, including Georgia, Michigan, Michigan State, Oregon, LSU, Maryland, Miami, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Tennessee and USC.
Last season for Pittsburg High School (Pittsburg, California), Hudson collected 71 tackles, five tackles for loss, three pass breakups and one forced fumble.
“Probably my height and length,” Hudson said of his best on-field attribute. “It allows me to cover a lot of ground.”
Hudson said he hopes to return to Columbus for another visit sometime soon.
Devin Smith picks up Ohio State offer
Ohio State has offered another linebacker in the 2024 class. Three-star prospect Devin Smith was the latest defensive prospect to pick up a Buckeyes offer, with the Georgia resident announcing the offer on Wednesday.
Blessed to receive A(n) ffer To Further My Football & Academic Future At The Ohio State University @OhioStateFB. @BrunswickFB @CoachGGrady @BWickPiratesDC @CoachSean_CAV @YBKGIPP @On3Recruits @912Recruits @Rivals @RecruitGeorgia @247Sports @247recruiting. #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/oTu66ZPDEe
— Devin Smith (@datboy_dd) March 29, 2023
Smith is considered the 505th-best prospect and the 50th-rated linebacker in the 2024 class. He’s picked up more than 30 Division I offers, including Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Cincinnati, Duke, Iowa State, Kentucky, Miami, Michigan State, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas A&M.
In nine games in his junior season, Smith registered 63 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, six sacks, three fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.
Kelvion Riggins to visit Columbus this weekend
A linebacker in the 2025 class could be on Ohio State offer watch this weekend. Texas prospect Kelvion Riggins will make the trek to Columbus this weekend and be in attendance for the Buckeyes' spring practice on Saturday.
@OhioStateFB this weekend#GoBucks @Coach_Eliano @N_Murph @coach_traylor @SOCGoldenBearFB pic.twitter.com/TkpDsdlavh
— KELVION RIGGINS (@KelvionR) March 29, 2023
Riggins does not hold a composite ranking to this point but holds 28 Division I offers. Last season, Riggins recorded 55 tackles (12 for loss) and 4.5 sacks.
