We’re two days away from a decision from a priority Ohio State defensive tackle target.
Four-star 2025 North Carolina defensive tackle Trajen Odom has set a commitment date for Friday and will choose between OSU, UCLA, USC and Oregon. Two days before the announcement, it’s shaping up to be a battle between the Buckeyes and the Ducks, with Ohio State looking to be a slight frontrunner as of now.
Odom took an official visit to OSU on June 7 and also took an unofficial trip to campus in May. Larry Johnson offered him in January and Odom has since had the Buckeyes near the top of his recruitment. Should he commit to the Buckeyes, he’d be the fourth defensive lineman, joining Zion Grady, Zahir Mathis and London Merritt.
The surge in momentum with Odom in the past day is particularly eyebrow-raising considering OSU is also the perceived favorite for Maxwell Roy, another interior defensive lineman. OSU is also pursuing Malik Autry and Mariyon Dye, plus Jahkeem Stewart, who may reclassify from 2026 to 2025.
Division I Council approves recruiting calendar changes
As you probably already saw on Tuesday, the NCAA Division I Council removed the restriction on the number of football staff members who can provide on-field instruction during practices.
In the same release, the Division I Council also approved a few changes to the college football recruiting calendar.
First, July’s dead period has been extended to last all 31 days to allow coaches to prepare for the upcoming season. Secondly, with early signing day now scheduled for the first week of December, a quiet period has been added after that passes to allow teams to focus on their postseasons and allow for on-campus recruiting activities. Thirdly, the January contact period has been extended, allowing colleges to use that time to recruit high school juniors and transfer targets. Last, and probably least if we’re being honest, the NCAA has added a quiet period the Sunday before the American Football Coaches Association Convention so coaches may finish on-campus visits before the AFCA dead period.
Riley Pettijohn eyeing commitment in first week of July
Ohio State’s top remaining linebacker target in the 2025 class is close to committing. Four-star Texas prospect Riley Pettijohn told Rivals this week he’ll likely make his college decision in the first week of July.
Pettijohn visited Ohio State, USC, Texas and Texas A&M this summer and while he’s long been considered a Texas lean, Ohio State has a lot of momentum with Pettijohn currently and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the top-35 prospect pick the Buckeyes in the end. Should he commit to OSU, he’d join a class featuring Tarvos Alford and Eli Lee, which would be a hell of a start for James Laurinaitis in his first recruiting cycle as a full-time coach.
"They've been stressing how much they want me to come be a part of Ohio State, how I can win national championships if I go there," Pettijohn told Rivals of OSU. "It was overall a solid visit. I liked meeting with coach Laurinaitis, talking football with him and coach (Jim) Knowles, getting to sit down and dig into their defense, their schemes and things like that."
Maxwell Riley puts OSU in his top 7
One of Ohio State’s top priority offensive tackle targets in the 2026 class has narrowed down his recruitment. Four-star in-state prospect Maxwell Riley released a top-seven list on Tuesday consisting of Ohio State, Alabama, Oklahoma, Florida State, Clemson, Missouri and Michigan State.
God has blessed me immensely with these opportunities. After much discussion with my family we have decided to narrow the list of prospective college football programs to seven. I will be concentrating on my relationships with these schools moving forward. Thank you & God Bless! pic.twitter.com/uborftpwlN
— Maxwell Riley (@bigmax2026) June 25, 2024
Per 247Sports’ composite rankings, Riley is considered the No. 57 prospect and No. 9 offensive tackle in the 2026 class. He’s been a frequent visitor to Ohio State’s campus over the past few years and grew up rooting for the Buckeyes.
Riley isn’t in a rush to end his recruitment, but OSU continues to be in a good position for the Avon Lake standout.
Brandon Finney commits to Oregon
A 2025 cornerback with an Ohio State offer is off the board.
Four-star Maryland prospect Brandon Finney committed to Oregon on Tuesday, choosing the Ducks over Penn State, South Carolina and Ohio State.
BREAKING: Four-Star ATH Brandon Finney has Committed to Oregon, he tells me for @on3recruits
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 25, 2024
The 62 190 ATH from Owings Mills, MD chose the Ducks over Penn State, Ohio State, & South Carolina
Grateful for the many opportunities, but Im ready to work GO DUCKS!! pic.twitter.com/4DKLAK3GDv
Finney, who was only recently offered by the Buckeyes, took his official visit to OSU on June 14. But Ohio State had a bigger priority on its recruiting board in Dorian Brew, who continues to be the focus for Ohio State’s third and probably final cornerback spot in the 2025 class.
