The Buckeyes put all their eggs in one basket, and it did not go as planned, as David Gabriel Georges committed to Tennessee over Ohio State. 

2027 5-star running back David Gabriel-Georges announced his commitment to the Tennessee Volunteers on Wednesday, ending a years-long recruiting battle. The Buckeyes were seen as the favorites to land Gabriel-Georges until ON3’s Pete Nakos put in a prediction in favor of the Volunteers on Tuesday.

Running backs coach Carlos Locklyn reportedly went all in on Gabriel-Georges, prioritizing him over other talented recruits including Savion Hiter and Kemon Spell. The Baylor High School superstar is one of the most highly anticipated running back recruits in a long time.

With his recruitment now likely over, the Buckeyes will look to the class of 2028 in hopes of adding another running back alongside Elijah Newman-Hall. With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the candidates to the Buckeyes’ 2028 recruiting class.

Ian Thomas

Ranked on 247Sports as the No. 1 running back in the nation, Ian Thomas would be a fantastic addition to the Buckeyes’ 2028 class. The Tomball High School (TX) Product had a very productive 2025 season, rushing for 1,528 yards and 20 touchdowns. Thomas received an offer from Ohio State in May of this year and does not currently have a visit scheduled. Ian Thomas is the son of Rodney Thomas, a former Texas A&M star who played six seasons in the NFL.

Micah Rhodes

Klein-Oak High School (TX) product Micah Rhodes is a name that has been linked to Ohio State. Rhodes, who recently backed off his commitment to the Oklahoma Sooners, received an offer from the Buckeyes in September of 2024. In addition to Ohio State, Texas has been in strong contention for the in-state star. Rhodes’ grandfather, Bobby, played linebacker for the Longhorns in the 1980’s.

Micah Rhodes currently holds a four-star rating and ranks as the No. 8 running back in the 2028 class.

Kevin Hartsfield

Ohio native Kevin Hartsfield is another name to watch for Carlos Locklyn and the Buckeyes. Hartsfield, who now lives in Georgia, currently attends Newton High School, where he rushed for over 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. Hartsfield ranks as the No. 4 running back in the class of 2028 and holds a four-star rating. The Buckeyes and Georgia Bulldogs appear to be the early favorites for the star running back.