BOOM
Ohio State lands a post-Rose Bowl commitment from in-state cornerback Jakob Weatherspoon.
One of the top running backs in the 2026 class has plans to visit Ohio State in the near future.
Per On3, four-star Texas running back Jonathan Hatton Jr. has set three visits, including Ohio State, Tennessee and Alabama.
He’ll visit Tennessee on Jan. 25, Alabama on Feb. 1 and hopes to visit Columbus sometime within the next few weeks.
Per 247Sports’ composite rankings, Hatton is considered the No. 41 prospect and No. 3 running back in the 2026 class. He earned his offer from Ohio State in April and has visited Columbus several times throughout his recruitment.
AGTG! After a great chat with @Locklyn33 Im blessed and grateful to receive an offer from @OhioStateFB. @Football_Steele @CKennedy247 @samspiegs @BDammone @DEFCONTX7v7 pic.twitter.com/iPHDKbJWbV
— Jonathan Hatton Jr (@JHattonJr28) April 23, 2024
“They have a winning tradition and put a lot of guys in the NFL,” Hatton told On3 of OSU. “Coach (Carlos) Locklyn came to offer me right away not long after offering me at Oregon and communication has been consistent throughout the process. He told me I’m a priority for them and they use their backs really well. I want to go where I’m wanted and not where I’m just tolerated or just another guy.”
Ohio State standing out to Derrek Cooper
Speaking of standout running backs in the 2026 cycle, the Buckeyes find themselves in a good position with another one in addition to Hatton. Five-star running back Derrek Cooper, the former high school teammate of Jeremiah Smith, told On3 this week Ohio State, Georgia, Texas A&M, Miami, Auburn and Alabama are among the biggest schools standing out to him at the moment.
Cooper attended multiple Hurricanes games this season and took gameday visits to Ohio State, Alabama, Auburn, Georgia and Texas A&M as well.
Having a excellent time in Columbus!!! O-H @Locklyn33 @TonyJCoach @mickdwalker @adamgorney @RivalsFriedman @JohnGarcia_Jr @CHAMPIONCIRCLE @SWiltfong_ @TBrinson16 pic.twitter.com/Uf9QzEsPqb
— Derrek Cooper (@DerrekCooper80) November 9, 2024
Cooper is likely going to make a decision about his future, sometime after he takes his official visits in June.
“When I commit, it will be about how I will be used, how the relationships are between my family and the coaches are and the stability of the coaching staff,” Cooper told On3. “The fit into the scheme will be important to me too. I want the chance to get on the field and show my ability as quickly as I can.”
Josh Thompson commits to LSU
In case you missed it from Friday, one of Ohio State’s top transfer portal targets is off the board. Former Northwestern guard Josh Thompson committed to LSU on Friday, picking the Tigers over a host of other teams, including the Buckeyes.
Thompson visited Ohio State early in his recruitment, but that recruitment trended toward other programs shortly afterward. The Buckeyes have made two prime additions in the trenches so far this winter, including Ethan Onianwa and Phillip Daniels.
Transfer portal additions for OSU may be on hold for a few days
Last week, Ohio State made numerous additions from the transfer portal, including running back CJ Donaldson, tight end Max Klare, defensive end Logan George and offensive tackle Ethan Onianwa.
Ohio State more than likely isn’t done making transfer portal additions for next season. But transfer recruiting has slowed considerably of late. Apart from the obvious factor of the Buckeyes putting their full focus on Wednesday’s Rose Bowl against Oregon, a dead period has been in effect since last week and will last until the weekend, meaning potential transfer additions are unable to visit Columbus until this weekend.
Regardless of the result of the Rose Bowl, Ohio State is expected to continue to do its due diligence and be active in the portal.
