There’s no question one of the crown jewels of Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class was Devin Sanchez.
Sanchez, a five-star prospect and the No. 1 cornerback in the 2025 cycle, committed to Ohio State in January of 2023 and from there had a relatively drama-free recruitment, not taking any other visits besides OSU up until National Signing Day. The 6-foot-2, 170-pound prospect became one of the Buckeyes’ strongest peer recruiters and strongest proponents on social media following his commitment.
Speaking with Tim Walton earlier this month, Sanchez’s future position coach says he couldn’t be more pleased with how Sanchez fits in at Ohio State.
“He fit the culture we’re looking for,” Walton told Eleven Warriors. “We have a great group of guys here and we try to bring guys in that already fit the mold of what we have established here. We saw that in him from Day One, the way his parents raised him, the foundation he has for work ethic, honesty, talent and love for the game. Those things really fit what we’re looking for. And he’s about his business. He’ll be a great addition and fit in with the guys that we have here.”
Sanchez has been with the team since the month began and has traveled with Ohio State to both the Rose Bowl and Cotton Bowl victories. He’s been able to attend practice and see the preparation the Buckeyes are using on their quest to win the program's ninth national championship, and Walton sees that as something that could benefit him down the road.
“It gives him a chance to see what it’s like to be in the postseason, being in the playoffs and get the experience so he knows what it takes,” Walton said. “Jermaine Mathews was able to do that for himself a couple years ago. So when you’re back in the position years later, you know what it takes and how to handle yourself in that moment.”
With his advanced recruiting pedigree, Sanchez is expected to come in and compete for playing time right away as a true freshman.
Landon Dowden puts Ohio State in top five
A recently offered wide receiver from the 2026 class has included Ohio State in a top schools list.
Florida wide receiver Landon Dowden released a final five on Tuesday consisting of Ohio State, Oregon, Arkansas, North Carolina and Texas A&M. The Buckeyes offered Dowden in the first week of January. So far, the 6-foot-1, 170-pound prospect has earned more than 30 Division I offers. He does not hold a 247Sports composite ranking as of yet.
Let me know where home is@adamgorney @JohnGarcia_Jr @TomLoy247 @BrandonHuffman @BrianDohn247 @ChadSimmons_ @SWiltfong_ @HSSportsFL @DanLaForestFB @maddmedia_ pic.twitter.com/WAugvdPBzf
— Landon (@lj2certifixd) January 15, 2025
Jermaine Kinsler says he’ll take an official visit to Ohio State
A top defensive lineman in the 2026 recruiting class confirmed to 247Sports this week he plans on taking an official visit to Ohio State this summer. Four-star New Jersey prospect Jermaine Kinsler visited Columbus earlier this fall for the Purdue game and now plans to visit Columbus in the spring and later in the summer for an official visit.
Kinsler is the former high school teammate of Ohio State wide receiver signee Quincy Porter. He told 247Sports that Larry Johnson has been in frequent contact with him and that the Buckeyes are one of his top schools in his recruitment.
Troy OG Daniel King enters transfer portal
Ohio State is still likely searching for at least a depth addition on the offensive line in the transfer portal, and another interesting prospect entered the portal recently.
Former Troy guard Daniel King announced Wednesday he’ll transfer, and he’s expected to be a high commodity on the market considering he’s a multi-time All-Sun Belt player. King has played at both guard and tackle for Troy in his career.
Troy multi-time all-Sun Belt OG Daniel King has entered the portal as a grad transfer, @mzenitz and I have learned for @247Sports.
— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) January 15, 2025
King has played 2,642 snaps in his FBS career. Has also made several starts at OT. https://t.co/KZXai7KVPt pic.twitter.com/ducJBV0oQh
Last season, King recorded an overall grade from Pro Football Focus of 74.6, which is considered above average. He was graded 76.3 overall as a pass blocker and earned a 76.5 grade as a run blocker. He’ll have one season of eligibility remaining.
