Ohio State pulls together under-the-radar massive recruiting weekend

After hosting class of 2025 5-star offensive lineman Josh Petty for a mid-week visit , Ohio State fans were excited to also see the program host fellow Top 100 prospect in 4-star EDGE Zion Grady this weekend, a trip confirmed on this site earlier in the week.

The Buckeyes’ staff had some tricks up their sleeves, though. Not only did OSU host Grady, but they also welcomed his 6-foot-6, 325-pound teammate, DL Malik Autry , a top 200 prospect who has been committed to Auburn for over a year.

But Ohio State wasn’t done there. They brought in 2 more elite prospects for visits this weekend, including the nation’s No. 26 prospect and No. 2 safety, Trey McNutt , as well as the No. 1 offensive lineman and No. 2 player overall, David Sanders . All of these are unofficial visits .

Today, Lettermen Row shares more on the incredible weekend the Buckeyes put together.

Sweet Home Columbus?

Grady and Autry are Alabama natives, with Grady coming from Enterprise High School in Troy, and Autry playing at Opelika. Ohio State already has one commit from the Yellowhammer State in Na’eem Offord , could they land more?

I think the answer to that question is that it is going to be an uphill battle, but getting both players to Columbus in May for an unofficial visit, on their own dime, is a great first step in trying to make this happen.

Grady has spoken very highly of Ohio State since landing an offer from the program back in February, and backed up his words with actions by following through on the plans to make this visit this weekend. Right now, I would say programs like Auburn, Tennessee, Miami, Florida State, and Georgia, all of whom have official visits set, have a little bit of a head start on the Buckeyes, but Ryan Day and Larry Johnson are sure taking their swing. There is confidence inside the WHAC that they can get Grady to return to Columbus this summer for an official as well, and if that trip gets scheduled coming out of this one, it would be a sign that things are moving in the right direction.

As for Autry, I honestly haven’t spent too much time looking at him as a possibility for Ohio State. He’s been committed to the in-state Tigers for over a year, so this trip was certainly a surprise. We’ll try to gather more intel following the visit’s conclusion, but the initial thought is that while the Buckeyes may be able to get into the consideration set, it’s going to be a longer shot to reel him in. That said, Autry has left the door open for others to come in. He has official visits set to UCF, Florida, USC, and Oregon, so the Buckeyes’ goal will be to land an official as well.

Sanders return shows he’s serious about Ohio State

David Sanders was last on campus for the spring game, and has an official visit set for the weekend of June 21. Him coming back so quickly, on his own dime, speaks volumes to how serious he is about the Buckeyes.

I know people have been talking about this being a Clemson vs. Georgia race in the end for Sanders, with Ohio State, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama being window dressing, but sources close to this one have indicated to me over the last month that they actually believe the Buckeyes are the biggest threat to the Bulldogs in this one.

As of today, I would still have UGA as my odds-on favorite to land Sanders, but I know the last trip to Columbus helped the family feel more comfortable with the thought of David leaving the South, and the plan by OSU to develop the No. 1 offensive lineman both on and off the field is very attractive to both the player and those in his support circle.

When it comes to NIL, it won’t be the end all be all, but is certainly a factor in this decision. I am told Ohio State will be as competitive as anyone else in that area for the 5-star talent, so this will ultimately come down to convincing him that Columbus is the best place for him to accomplish everything he wants to in college, and set him up for the NFL and life after football.

McNutt back on campus again

The last prospect to touch on is a familiar one in Ohio State legacy and Shaker Heights (OH) talent Trey McNutt.

McNutt has done an incredible job of being as objective as possible going through the process and recently cut his list down to eight schools: Tennessee, Michigan, Georgia, USC, Oregon, Florida, Texas A&M, and the Buckeyes.

He will now take officials this summer, but I think this one ultimately comes down to the Aggies, Trojans, Ducks, or Buckeyes, and I have Ohio State as the odds-on favorite to land him. Getting McNutt back on campus for this weekend, where the staff can roll out the red carpet and have a more intimate touch on the visit, certainly will help in those efforts.

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