Recruiting is the lifeblood of college football. The next class of athletes could be the ones that make history, leave their mark on the program, and even change the direction of that program altogether. The key is identifying where the talent is and doing what it takes to sign them on.
A few states have an advantage thanks to deep, rich tradition and a prospect pool that few can rival. The state of Ohio may not get the recognition that powerhouses like Texas and California do, but it can’t be overlooked as a football factory in its own right.
A National Reputation
Let’s get one thing clear right off the bat: Ohio isn’t flying under the radar. As you can see in YouBet.com anyone who’s anyone in college football knows that the pool of talent in Ohio is deeper than just about anywhere else in the country with a few notable exceptions.
For decades, the state has turned out a who’s who list of gridiron legends: Ben Roethlisberger, Russell Wilson, Alan Page, Charles Woodson, Jack Lambert, Paul Warfield, Orlando Pace, Roger Staubach, Jason and Travis Kelce, James, Harrison, Luke Kuechly, and a million others. Few states can even come close to matching that kind of pedigree.
A Long Track Record
Another factor that puts Ohio near the top of the list when it comes to college football recruiting is because they have consistently turned out prospects at a high level. Some states may have bursts that produce better talent than other years, but Ohio never wavers.
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When each recruiting class closes, you can safely bet that Ohio is among the top states. Whether it be players who were highly recruited or names that flew under the radar, Ohio is adept at turning out talent that can make a roster complete.
Known for Grit
Perhaps the thing that sets Ohio apart from other states, particularly major players like Texas and California, is that Midwest grit. Growing up in the Midwest means living in working class towns and going through harsh winters each year.
Players from Ohio have traditionally been raised with a sense of toughness to them. Even a player who turns out to be a hall of fame-level performer has a bit of that edge to them. Football is a tough sport, so it makes all the sense in the world to want to bring in some of the toughest guys in the sport.
Grit and toughness are those intangibles, the things you can’t quite measure but definitely know them when you see them. For that reason, Ohio remains a sacred college football recruiting battleground and will for the foreseeable future.
The Big Problem with Recruiting in Ohio
It probably goes without saying but the biggest challenge for teams not only outside the state but inside of it is the presence of the Ohio State Buckeyes. Ohio State is a powerhouse program on par with virtually any big name in the country.
While Ohio State is able to compete in virtually any state for any athlete, they have a pipeline right in their backyards. Generations raised on Woody Hayes, Jim Tressel, Urban Meyer, and the litany of successful Buckeyes coaches grow up wanting to wear the Scarlett and Grey.
While Ohio State achieves results on the field, what really helps them draw top-flight prospects is their ability to turn out NFL athletes. With 460 players drafted, the Buckeyes are third behind only USC and Notre Dame all-time. In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Buckeyes tied a school record by having 14 players selected.
Because of these factors, Ohio State generally has access to any and all of the top Ohio players. Some decide to defect here and there, but Ohio State has historically built a roster full of local talent that is good enough to compete with anyone nationally.
Going into Ohio is a Must
A look at the top prospects in Ohio will tell you what kind of impact the state has on recruiting. Tavien St. Clair, arguably the top quarterback recruit in the nation, hails from Bellefontaine, OH. Carter Lowe, an offensive tackle from Toledo, is another major score for the Ohio State class.
Justin Hill (Alabama), Trey McNutt (Oregon), Ryan Montgomery (Georgia), Shaun Terry II (Mizzou), and Chaz Coleman (Penn State) are just a handful of players who rank highly at a national level. These four- and five-star athletes are going to be critical players for their programs in the years to come.
For that reason, consistently recruiting in Ohio is a must for teams that have big-time aspirations. Though not everyone can have the College Football National Championship in their sites, there is still plenty to strive for. And there’s a good chance that athletes from Ohio will be leading that charge.
