Ohio State wrapped up an official visit on Monday with transfer defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, who could make an immediate impact on the Buckeyes’ defense if he joins the roster.
OSU will host another potential impact transfer defensive player this week in University of Texas at San Antonio pass rusher Trey Moore, per 247Sports.
In addition to his expected visit to Texas, UTSA EDGE transfer Trey Moore is also expected to visit Ohio State, sources tell @247sports.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) December 9, 2023
The Ohio State visit is expected to take place next week. Moore ranks third nationally with 14 sacks.https://t.co/h8mngFnH54 pic.twitter.com/Dnsqcdjode
The 6-foot-3, 235-pound Moore ranks third in the nation with a whopping 14 sacks this season for the Roadrunners.
Moore took an official visit to Texas over the weekend and the Longhorns are viewed as the favorite to land the premier pass rusher, but OSU getting him on campus at least gives the Buckeyes a puncher’s chance in this recruitment.
Four-star 2025 TE Emaree Winston puts OSU in top three, sets commitment date
One of Ohio State’s top tight end targets in the 2025 class is ready to make a college decision. Four-star Georgia tight end Emaree Winston released a top three on Sunday consisting of Ohio State, Texas and UCF and set a commitment date for Dec. 18.
Blessed to be in this position @CoachB_Blackmon @CoachAlexMathis @CoachKee @CoachJeffBanks @coachchoice @ChadSimmons_ @NwGaFootball @CHSJacketsFB pic.twitter.com/F9oBhrliRU
— Emaree Winston (@e_wins2025) December 10, 2023
Winston has visited OSU numerous times throughout his recruitment and the Buckeyes looked like the favorite for the 6-foot-2, 235-pound prospect at one point. But a week before his commitment, the Longhorns look to be the favorite for Winston.
The Buckeyes remain in heavy pursuit of Nate Roberts, their top tight end target in the 2025 class. Other options at the position include Eli Owens, Luka Gilbert and Landon Pace.
Koi Perich reacts to OSU official visit
Ohio State hosted two prep prospects from the 2024 class on official visits over the weekend: Four-star defensive tackle Carlon Jones and four-star safety Koi Perich.
Perich, who was offered by OSU last month, is currently committed to Minnesota, but is receiving a full-court press from Ohio State safeties coach Perry Eliano and the rest of OSU’s coaching staff.
Great OV at @OhioStateFB @Coach_Eliano pic.twitter.com/dPB2r3TUd3
— Koi Perich (@koiperich3) December 10, 2023
“I mean, just the culture at Ohio State University is different,” Perich told 247Sports about his OSU official visit. “You can feel the energy as soon as you step in the building; it’s a switch, and I think that’s really cool.”
Perich is scheduled to take an official visit to Florida State this upcoming weekend, and a decision will likely come soon after, considering National Signing Day on Dec. 20 is fast approaching. The Buckeyes like where they stand with the Minnesota product and are optimistic they can add him to the 2024 class when all is said and done.
OSU offers 2025 RB Jeffery Overton
Ohio State has offered another running back in the 2025 recruiting class. Three-star Virginia running back Jeffery Overton Jr. became the latest tailback offered by the Buckeyes Monday after a conversation with running backs coach Tony Alford.
After a great conversation with @CoachTonyAlford Im blessed and honored to receive an offer from @OhioStateFB !!@CoachOvertonJ @OvertonDarryl @BrianDohn247 @RivalsFriedman @MohrRecruiting pic.twitter.com/cPLwPjikz2
— Jeffrey Overton Jr (@JeffreyOverton1) December 11, 2023
Per 247Sports' composite rankings, Overton is considered the 619th-rated prospect and the 52nd-ranked running back in the 2025 class. He's earned 12 Division I offers thus far, including Boston College, Duke, Maryland, NC State, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Virginia, Virginia Tech, West Virginia and Wake Forest.
Overton helped lead Freedom High School (Woodbridge, Virginia) to an undefeated 14-0 season after he ran for 1,662 yards on 127 carries with 27 rushing touchdowns. He also caught nine passes for 226 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Ohio State talking with San Jose State transfer OT Fernando Carmona Jr.
OSU has added another transfer portal target to its recruiting board. Per 247Sports, the Buckeyes have contacted San Jose State offensive tackle Fernando Carmona Jr.
“They have reached out and we have talked,” Carmona told 247Sports of Ohio State. “Definitely would be cool to play at Ohio State. Lots of great linemen.”
Carmona played left tackle for San Jose State this season and received the eighth-highest grade from Pro Football Focus (81.5) among offensive tackles nationwide this season. Carmona graded out at 81 as a pass blocker and 78.9 as a run blocker in 765 offensive snaps.
The 6-foot-5, 314-pound offensive lineman has two years of eligibility remaining and is scheduled to take an official visit to Auburn this weekend.
Javion Hilson commits to Alabama
One of Ohio State’s defensive line targets for the 2025 class is off the board. Four-star pass rusher Javion Hilson committed to the Crimson Tide late Friday night, bolstering Alabama’s 2025 class.
COMMITTED!! IM HOME!! @sabanfaux @CoachHutzler @coachgilles @BAMACoachG @Cocoa_Schneider @mdiesel321 @J55FoFo @OfficialAthlete @Ward3Low @elite_ced20 @DaviyonHawkins1 @DavarriusR pic.twitter.com/zw45CRGIrh
— Javion Hilson (@javion_hilson) December 9, 2023
Hilson is the high school teammate of four-star 2025 OSU wide receiver commit Jayvan Boggs, who tried to help peer recruit Hilson to the Buckeyes following his commitment. Unless Hilson has a change of heart, it appears the two teammates will go their separate ways in college.
