Buckeyes get their second BOOOM in the 2023 class with in-state commitment Joshua Padilla

The hard work on the recruiting trail is paying off big time for Ohio State .

On Saturday, Ohio State is back on the road when they take on Nebraska for a noon tilt. Fresh off the biggest recruiting weekend of the season for the Buckeyes, the staff is seeing their hard work and efforts paying off big time. In the 2022 class, the top targets are still more than impressed with all that a game day experience has to offer, and in the 2023 class positive momentum is rolling as well.

The work isn’t necessarily done yet, but good things are starting to pop up, which is all you could ask for after what last weekend entailed. The Buckeyes have a way about them when it comes to hosting their top recruiting targets, and though not every visit ends in decisions shortly after, the lasting impression is there. As we near the early signing period, the staff is hoping their presentation pays off not only to the current cycle, but the future as well. Either way, it’s a great time to follow Ohio State recruiting.

Buckeyes receive major BOOM from in-state four-star

Speaking of positive momentum, the Buckeyes landed their second commitment in the 2023 class on Thursday thanks to in-state lineman, Joshua Padilla. The 6-foot-4, 265 pound four-star is a product of Huber Heights Wayne High School, which of course has been a fertile recruiting ground for many years in regards to Ohio State. The fifth-ranked player in Ohio in the class, Padilla is also considered to be the ninth-best player at his position and the 184th best player nationally per the 247Sports Composite. An added bonus, Padilla is also a very solid wrestler, which further helps his ability on the offensive line.

Landing the pledge of Padilla may not be a major surprise due to him being an in-state target and Ohio State typically winning these battles, but the commitment itself is a big one for the Buckeyes and one the staff has coveted since they offered in March of this year. Since then, Padilla has worked out on campus and taken coaching to heart while having a stellar junior campaign. One of the more important recruits for position coach Greg Studrawa, this latest addition to the class keeps one of the best at home, which is always a top priority, but also gives the class another leader who can do some recruiting of his own.

Coming off another short trek to campus last weekend, the buzz surrounding Padilla wasn’t total commitment watch, but this decision is a welcomed one. At two commitments, the 2023 class is just starting to get rolling for what should be another top national caliber group for the Buckeyes.

Latest offer dished out to 2023 receiver prospect

Not only was Ohio State busy on the receiving end of the 2023 class, but also on the giving end of things as well when the staff sent out their latest offer to Arizona native, Kyler Kasper. Announcing via his Twitter account on Thursday, Kasper is the latest receiver to be offered by the Buckeyes and another target out of Arizona coach Day and Hartline have identified as someone who can continue the trend of elite play for the Ohio State offense.

A 6-foot-5, 195 pound receiver, Kasper possesses the natural height to be a true outside deep threat. Add in his already tremendous ball skills and you see why the Buckeyes decided it was time to enter his recruitment. Currently. Kasper checks out as the 21st ranked receiver in the 2023 class as well as the 139th best player overall and third best in his home state of Arizona per the 247Sports Composite. At nearly 20 offers to his name already, it’s easy to see why he holds a four-star status.

In the 2022 cycle, the Buckeyes were able to steal Kyion Grayes out of Arizona, and Kasper suited up in the offseason on the same 7-on-7 team as Grayes, which certainly doesn’t hurt. Having someone from the same area already committed to Ohio State and at the same position bodes well for this staff. Although, with Hartline’s track record of success, he may not need much help.

Quick Hits

• On Thursday, it was mentioned that current 2022 commit George Fitzpatrick received his All-American Bowl jersey. Here’s his presentation and all that this prestigious honor entails.