The Ohio State football program is already hunting in the 2025 cycle for another elite wide receiver class. A blue-chip name that could potentially highlight that group is 2025 four-star WR Phillip Bell III.
The standout, Phillip Bell, is a top target for the Buckeyes and a dynamic star in the making for Brian Hartline. Columbus is a destination for top wide receivers coming out of high school as no other school is producing NFL-ready talent at the clip of the Scarlet and Gray.
No.20 overall in 2025 class, 4️⃣🌟 ATH @phillipbelliii rocking #OhioState gloves at today’s @Sup7r7on7 event.
👤 | https://t.co/zR4ZW4crnU pic.twitter.com/HdxCBVfwwX
— Richie O’Leary (@RivalsRichie) April 22, 2023
Bell loves Ohio State and dreamt of the offer, “It was one of my dream offers, so it was really big for me.” His interest is also invested in the Buckeyes, “They produce and develop players how I want to be produced and developed. I was really hyped about the offer.” Ohio State will also most likely get a return visit for Phillip Bell, on a date still unknown, but he wants to get back to Columbus.
AG2G! Blessed to receive a Blessing from THEE Ohio State University! Thank you @ryandaytime and the rest of the @OhioStateFB staff for believing in me. @brianhartline @CoachJordan82 @CoreyDennis_ @CoachBriscoeWR @jnashmusic #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/P88mnLxlGh
— Phillip Bell III (@phillipbelliii) March 20, 2023
Many schools are in the mix for Bell, including UCLA, USC, Oregon, Tennessee, and more. He wants to visit many programs and do his due diligence. “I want to get back up to Ohio State, Oregon, Texas, Florida State and schools like that, also Tennessee,” Bell said. However, despite making return visits, only five schools are recruiting Bell the intentionally. According to the blue-chip prospect, “USC, UCLA, Oregon, Tennessee, and Ohio State are the schools recruiting me the hardest.”
#GoBucks @ryandaytime @brianhartline pic.twitter.com/rzMpIU2cnw
— Phillip Bell III (@phillipbelliii) March 22, 2023
His relationships with each school is an important factor and he feels comfortable so far. He explains, “they are all good. I try to build a relationship as best as I can, especially if I might be playing for them in a few years.” Despite relationships being a huge factor in his recruitment, development sits right alongside according to Bell, “Just knowing where I can get developed and get put in the best position to get to where I want to be in life.”
Kaleb Longhurst, a Cincinnati, Ohio native, is a recruiting analyst that covers Ohio State. A trusted source for Buckeyes recruiting, Kaleb has experience at Mike Farrell Sports, but has blossomed at TSB. Kaleb is an up and coming writer who is just getting started.