Ohio State commenced this week following a highly significant recruiting weekend. The Buckeyes welcomed a select group of recruits, each regarded as a priority target for the program.
Among those visiting Ohio State was 2025 five-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr. hailing from Providence Day School in Charlotte, NC, alongside 2025 five-star safety Trey McNutt representing Shaker Heights in Cleveland, Ohio. Also in attendance was 2025 four-star edge player Zion Grady from Enterprise, AL, bringing further talent to the visit. The group was completed by 2025 four-star defensive lineman Malik Autry, who had previously committed to Auburn over a year ago in February 2023.
Autry, originating from Opelika, AL, was the lone recruit entering the weekend without an official scholarship offer from Ohio State. However, following his visit during the weekend, that status swiftly changed.
Blessed to receive an offer from THE Ohio State University 🌰🌰 @ryandaytime @OhioStateFB @R2X_Rushmen1 @OhioState @TheSG_Podcast @Locklyn33 @Rivals @ALLGASATHLETES @OpelikaRecruits @McCarthyAutry pic.twitter.com/Ef6dZL1uHY
— Malik Autry 🔌 (@MalikAutry) May 5, 2024
Autry emerged from his visit with an official scholarship offer from the Buckeyes, signaling Ohio State’s intent to sway him away from the Tigers, a task not devoid of challenges. To succeed in persuading the lineman, Ohio State must arrange for his return to campus promptly for another official visit.
Despite the considerable effort required to secure Autry’s commitment, Ohio State remains well-positioned to achieve this goal. Autry had the opportunity to foster connections with fellow recruits during his time on campus, particularly with Zion Grady, who shares his Alabama roots.
Amidst the attention garnered by Autry’s offer, the visits of the other three recruits should not be overlooked. Trey McNutt, in particular, has long been a target for Ohio State, given his status as an Ohio native and the son of a former Buckeye. Ohio State’s head coach, Ryan Day, has emphasized the importance of retaining Ohio’s top talents, a principle evident in the recruitment of McNutt.