Ohio State ready for the Season with Three Additional Stars
The weekend brought positive developments for Ohio State football in the ever-evolving landscape of college football. The Buckeyes secured commitments from three players, contributing to the present and future success of Ryan Day’s program. Notably, All-SEC safety Caleb Downs, who led Alabama in tackles as a true freshman, plans to join Ohio State, reinforcing the 2024 defense already poised to retain eight starters.
Downs, a national freshman of the year awardee, not only strengthens the defense for the upcoming season but is expected to be a key returning starter in 2025. Joining him in the 2024 class are quarterback Julian Sayin, a transfer from Alabama, and defensive lineman Dominic Kirks. Sayin, originally a top prospect in California, adds depth to the quarterback room alongside other notable recruits. Kirks, a senior from Painesville Riverside High School in Ohio, bolsters the defensive line and contributes to Ohio State’s commitment to in-state talent.
The addition of Kirks solidifies Ohio State’s 2024 recruiting class, elevating it to the second spot nationally, just behind Georgia. This move is significant for defensive line coach Larry Johnson, providing a crucial building block for the team’s future. Ohio State’s emphasis on in-state recruits, with 38 percent of the class hailing from Ohio, marks a notable trend in the Day era, surpassing previous percentages and reinforcing the program’s strong ties to local talent.
