Ohio State’s 2025 class took a hit on Monday when it received some unfortunate news.
Four-star defensive end Zahir Mathis decommitted from the Buckeyes, citing a “life decision” while saying he still considers OSU a top school for him. Regardless, at this point, it’s probably safe to count him out of the current cycle, which dropped to 25 commits in total. Big Ten rival Penn State could be the favorite for the Pennsylvania standout, who will likely announce his new decision on Dec. 4.
Despite Mathis’ decommitment, the Buckeyes hold a narrow edge over Georgia for the No. 1 spot in 247Sports’ national recruiting rankings. Don’t expect OSU to be content either while chasing the No. 1 recruiting class.
The Buckeyes have five defensive linemen committed for the current class, including Zion Grady, London Merritt, Trajen Odom, Jarquez Carter and Maxwell Roy. There are still at least two big-name prospects OSU is chasing, including five-star defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart and four-star defensive tackle Malik Autry.
Both of those prospects are expected to visit Columbus on Nov. 30 for the Michigan game and you can imagine Larry Johnson, Ryan Day and the rest of the OSU staff will be putting on a full-court press to win over those prospects a few days ahead of National Signing Day. Autry will need to be flipped from Auburn, a tough task considering his Alabama roots, while Stewart is deciding between USC, Oregon, LSU and OSU.
The Buckeyes are also going to attempt to add at other positions, including running back (especially in light of Anthony Rogers’ decommitment from Alabama), cornerback and offensive line.
Ohio State will also have to play defense to hold on to some more of its commits, including Merritt, Na’eem Offord, Tarvos Alford and Quincy Porter.
Samuel Roseborough picks up an Ohio State offer
OSU offensive line coach Justin Frye has offered another top offensive lineman in the 2026 recruiting class. Frye offered four-star Florida prospect Samuel Roseborough on Friday, who’s viewed as an interior offensive lineman.
#AGTG Extremely blessed to receive an offer from The Ohio State University!#GoBucks@OhioStateFB @CHS_Tornadoes @ThorJoz@Coach_JBanks @GameChanger41@JGCTFOOTBALL @OtisDixon6@ChadSimmons_ @adamgorney@JohnGarcia_Jr@Andrew_Ivins pic.twitter.com/aQUMk76a4n
— Samuel Roseborough Jr (@S_Roseborough64) November 15, 2024
The 6-foot-5, 285-pound standout is considered the No. 103rd best prospect and the No. 8 interior offensive lineman in the 2026 class per 247Sports’ composite rankings. He’s earned 17 Division I offers, including Auburn, FIU, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Maryland, Michigan, Mizzou, Oklahoma, Penn State and West Virginia.
Roseborough helped lead Clearwater High School (Clearwater, Florida) to a 7-4 record this season.
Nathan Bernhard visiting OSU Saturday
A promising in-state quarterback in the 2026 class is slated to be at Ohio Stadium Saturday for the Indiana game.
Four-star Ashland signal caller Nathan Bernhard confirmed Monday he’ll attend the Buckeyes’ top-five matchup and he’s visited Columbus several times over the past year.
I will be at Ohio State this Saturday for their game against Indiana!@mickdwalker @Bill_Kurelic @AllenTrieu pic.twitter.com/9Ozb5EYmIb
— Nathan Bernhard (@nbernie26) November 18, 2024
The 6-foot-5, 227-pound quarterback holds nine Division I offers, including from Penn State, Michigan State, Louisville, Indiana, Iowa State and West Virginia, but the Buckeyes haven’t offered as of yet.
Five-star quarterback Jared Curtis remains OSU’s top target in that cycle, but there aren’t a lot of clear options as of now outside of him. If the Buckeyes need to expand their board at that position this cycle, Bernhard could be a prime candidate to receive an offer.
