The Ohio State Buckeyes have kicked off their efforts for the 2028 recruiting cycle with impressive momentum. The program has already secured pledges from two standout four-star talents: defensive lineman Jameer Whyce and running back Elijah Newman-Hall.
These early additions signal a continued push to build a deep and talented roster for the future.
Under head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have maintained their reputation as a premier destination for top high school athletes. Day’s leadership has played a significant role in sustaining a string of elite recruiting classes, with the program achieving seven consecutive top-10 national rankings between 2020 and 2026. This consistent success underscores the effectiveness of Ohio State’s approach to identifying and attracting the nation’s best prospects.
As the 2028 class begins to take shape, the program appears poised for another major coup. Recruiting analysts are closely watching developments, and recent indicators point to a potentially transformative addition in the near term. The Buckeyes’ track record of securing elite skill-position players has positioned them favorably in several key battles.
On Wednesday, Steve Wiltfong, the vice president of recruiting and transfer portal at Rivals, issued an expert prediction favoring Ohio State to land highly regarded wide receiver Jett Harrison. Wiltfong brings substantial credibility to his forecast, boasting an impressive accuracy rate of 91.86 percent across 1,351 previous predictions.
Harrison stands out as one of the most coveted prospects in the country. Listed at 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds, the Philadelphia native ranks as a five-star recruit and holds the No. 1 spot in the nation according to Rivals Industry Rankings. His performance on the field has been exceptional, including a sophomore campaign at St. Joseph’s Prep School where he recorded 15 touchdown receptions, as noted by analyst Charles Power.
The Buckeyes have a long history of developing outstanding wide receivers, which adds to their appeal for prospects like Harrison. Beyond the program’s pedigree at the position, a personal family tie strengthens the connection. Harrison is the younger brother of former Ohio State standout Marvin Harrison Jr., who delivered outstanding performances for the Buckeyes and placed fourth in Heisman Trophy voting during the 2023 season.
Despite the strong pull toward Columbus, competition remains fierce. Harrison has received offers from several other prominent programs, including the Penn State Nittany Lions, Tennessee Volunteers, Oregon Ducks, and Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Additionally, the Syracuse Orange—his father’s alma mater—have extended an offer, creating an intriguing family dynamic in the recruiting process.
Even with interest from multiple top-tier schools, current momentum suggests Harrison is leaning toward joining his brother at Ohio State. This potential commitment would represent a significant boost for the Buckeyes’ 2028 class and further highlight the program’s ability to attract generational talent.
The addition of a player with Harrison’s pedigree and skill set would align perfectly with Ohio State’s offensive philosophy. His combination of size, speed, and proven production at the high school level positions him as a player capable of making an immediate impact once he arrives on campus.
Looking ahead, the Buckeyes’ recruiting staff will continue working to finalize commitments and maintain their edge in a highly competitive landscape.
With early success already on the board and a top national prospect trending in their direction, the program is well-positioned to extend its tradition of excellence into the next generation of Buckeye football.
