The 2023 recruiting cycle is nearing its end as we are a few months away from the Early National Signing Period. The Buckeyes 2023 class holds just 20 commitments at this time so the Ohio State staff has certainly turned up the gears on a few recruitments with the program likely to take 25-26 recruits in this cycle. With that being said, the 2024 recruiting class has certainly picked up the pace as well as recruits continue to visit campuses for games. In today’s segment of Bullet Points we’re going to focus in on some of the top 2023 and 2024 recruitments we need to keep an eye on.

With the Buckeyes having likely only five to six spots left in this class, the Buckeyes staff has certainly focused in on the defensive side of the ball. Ohio State Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has been tasked with the responsibility of trying to match the Buckeyes elite offensive recruiting from the past few cycles. Luckily, for Ohio State there are still some major targets on the board. The Buckeyes staff most recently had five-star defensive end Keon Keeley on campus for the second time in the month of September. The Buckeyes have been in a battle with the Crimison Tide for the highly sought after edge rusher. It would appear at this time that the Buckeyes are likely going to lose out on Keeley as I spoke to a source close to the recruitment and they mentioned that if Keeley felt like he was going to be a Buckeye, he would have held off on his visit to Tuscaloosa next weekend.

With that being said, now the tide shifts onto the No.2 pass rusher in the country in five-star St. John Bosco product Matayo Uiagalelei. The Buckeyes staff feels they’re in a great position to land the priority target at this time and I’d have to agree with them. Ohio State has all the tools Uiagalelei is looking for in his next stop: an elite DL coach, a top tier program, and the ability to get early playing time. It would seem as though the two big contenders for Uiagalelei at this time are Ohio State and USC. On the USC front they feel that there is a strong connection as Uiagalelei is from the west coast and he is prioritizing that but I’d argue the chance to develop under Larry Johnson has more of an impact there then is being led on. Either way, I think the Buckeyes are in the driver seat with a real chance to close that one out soon.

Matayo Uiagalelei is one of the country's top uncommitted prospects.

But for how much longer?

He spoke with @Scott_Schrader about his recruitment and said plenty about Ohio State.

I broke down the Buckeyes angle for @LettermenRow pic.twitter.com/HwlqcxmwUn

— Matt Parker (@MattParkerLR) September 22, 2022

Another tidbit I heard about lately involving the Trojans and Buckeyes in the 2023 cycle is that the door may not be fully shut on the Buckeyes being able to flip current USC linebacker commit Tackett Curtis. There seems to be some real traction building between the two sides (Curtis and Ohio State) as some defensive questions have come up on the USC defensive side of the ball.

Additionally, at this time the Buckeyes although unlikely, have not given up hope in trying to land current Alabama commit and the top safety in the country Caleb Downs. The Buckeyes staff seems like they are going to give it their best shot, although I still see that one being a bit of a stretch to pull of unless Downs good friend Justice Haynes, we’re to decommit fromt the Tide.

Looking at the class of 2024 there’s some major buzz about some top end recruits joining Dylan Raiola soon. One specifically being the No.9 WR in the country in Mylan Graham. The New Haven, Indiana product has been thought to be a major Buckeye lean. I had the chance to talk to a source inside the Buckeyes program who said he’s certainly a take but they’re still waiting on a few things to be discussed. Graham is certainly leaning towards the Buckeyes however they are holding him off before he commits as they’re hoping to see a few things shake out with some other top WR.

This a perfect transition into the top two wide receivers in the country with Chaminade Madonna pass catchers, Jeremiah Smith and Joshisa Trader. Buckeye fans have certainly had their hopes let up by Florida recruits on a number of occasions, and it’s understandable to see why they would have the same feeling towards the pair of stand out receivers. But I am here to assure you that Smith is still certainly a Buckeye lean and Trader is likely on the fence between Miami and Ohio State. A lot of the worry about losing Smith came on Twitter due to some cryptic tweets in favor Miami. However now a days, recruits are willing to do anything to keep their recruitment a surprise and get fans of their scent. One thing, I can assure you is the Buckeyes staffers feel very confident in their position with both targets and have a better track record at producing receivers than anyone in the country.

Ohio State has continued to recruit at a top five level in the country and it would appear that train has no plans on slowing down on future recruiting class.