Ohio State expected to host more than 20 recruits against Nebraska

OSU coach Urban Meyer stands with the Buckeyes before their game against Northwestern on Oct. 29, 2016 at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes won 24-20. Credit: Mason Swires | Assistant Photo Editor

In college football, recruitment is the fundamental basis for establishing a top-tier program. While there are many components to the recruiting process, one of the most important measures is the official visit.

When a recruit visits during a big game, it can completely shape how they feel about a school. For No. 6 Ohio State, no home game this year has been as important for recruiting as the upcoming matchup against No. 10 Nebraska.

Saturday’s game is the first primetime, and first ranked matchup in Ohio Stadium in 2016 — an opportunity to leave an indelible impression on some of the nation’s top prep talent.

For those already committed, the visit will provide an opportunity to experience what their life will be like in the coming year.

“I’m looking forward to just being able to visit my new home,” said class of 2017 wide receiver Trevon Grimes, who committed to the Buckeyes in August. “This visit is basically just a trip to say hello to my future teammates and coaches. Ohio State is my new home in a couple of months and I couldn’t be happier.”

Besides taking in the atmosphere of their future home and adjusting to college life, those already committed look forward to helping their own cause and convincing undecided athletes to join them in the Buckeyes top-ranked recruiting class.

“It’s always nice to be on campus getting used to the whole idea of being in college,” said 2017 quarterback commit Tate Martell. “I’m really excited to get out to Columbus this weekend and see some of my future teammates and help recruit some more great players to our 2017 class.”

OSU will be hosting a number of recruits for their official visits during this Saturday’s game, some who have already committed to the program and others who remain undeclared (All rankings based on 247Sports Composite Scores):

– Trevon Grimes

•       Position: Wide Receiver (5-Star)
•       Positional Rank: No. 3
•       Overall Rank: No. 16
•       High School: Saint Aquinas Thomas – Fort Lauderdale, FL
•       Commitment Status: Committed (08/22/2016)

– Shaun Wade

•       Position: Cornerback (5-Star)
•       Positional Rank: No. 4
•       Overall Rank: No. 21
•       High School: Trinity Christian Academy – Jacksonville, FL
•       Commitment Status: Committed (1/12/2015)

-Tyjon Lindsey

•       Position: Wide Receiver (4-Stars)
•       Positional Rank: No. 6
•       Overall Rank: No. 36
•       High School: Bishop Gorman – Las Vegas, NV
•       Commitment Status: Committed (08/22/2016)

– J.K. Dobbins

•       Position: All Purpose Back/Returner (4-Star)
•       Positional Rank: No. 1
•       Overall Rank: No. 40
•       High School: La Grange – La Grange, TX
•       Commitment Status: Committed (3/6/2016)

– Tate Martell

•       Position: Dual-Threat Quarterback (4-Star)
•       Positional Rank: No. 2
•       Overall Rank: No. 55
•       High School: Bishop Gorman – Las Vegas, NV
•       Commitment Status: Committed (6/12/2016)

– Jake Moretti

•       Position: Offensive Tackle (4-Star)
•       Positional Rank: No. 13
•       Overall Rank: No. 76
•       High School: Pomona – Arvada, CO
•       Commitment Status: Committed (7/4/2015)

– Bubba Bolden

•       Position: Wide Receiver (4-Star)
•       Positional Rank: No. 8
•       Overall Rank: No. 77
•       High School: Bishop Gorman – Las Vegas, NV
•       Commitment Status: Undeclared

– Anthony Hines III

•       Position: Inside Linebacker (4-Star)
•       Positional Rank: No. 2
•       Overall Rank: No. 88
•       High School: Plano East – Plano, TX
•       Commitment Status: Undeclared

While a bunch of the recruits coming to visit have already committed to OSU, their time spent in Columbus this weekend will still be meaningful.

“This visit is very important for me,” said Wade. “I really love the place. I’m looking forward to hanging with the players and seeing all the commits that are going.”

In addition to the official visits from the 2017 class, OSU will also be hosting many unofficial visits from the 2017 class, as well as those from the 2018 and 2019 classes as well:

                                Name                       |        Position  |   # Stars    |      Class | Commitment (✓/-)

* = Committed to Penn State

After a gutty 24-20 win over Northwestern their last time out, the Buckeyes will be looking to impress a large crop of potential future talent with a big win over Nebraska.