Ohio State dishes out latest offer to 2028 North Carolina prospect, makes top schools for another

Over the last few recruiting cycles Ohio State has really increased their efforts in North Carolina. Several players coming from the Tar Heel State, the Buckeyes have done well as recent as their 2027 class and look to want more of the same in 2028.

The latest example of continuing their pursuit, on Thursday Ohio State sent out their latest offer by way of North Carolina native, Cassell Cruickshank. A 6-foot-6, 230 pound edge rusher, Cruickshank does not yet have a ranking via his 247Sports profile, but does check in as the No. 182 player nationally and No. 21 edge rusher in the 2028 class per On3.

Over 20 offers to his name from the likes of Alabama, Florida, LSU, Miami, Tennessee, Texas, and others should show the caliber of athlete this youngster is, and Ohio State is now firmly in the mix with an offer of their own.

The length any program covets from Cruickshank, the bend and reach aspects to his game are exactly why the teams he has on his offer list have pulled the trigger. From here, it’s always a goal to get him on campus as the next step in the relationship building process and with the summer months soon to come, it won’t be a surprise to see the trip booked.

Bless to receive an offer from Ohio State University!

@CoachM_Patrick@OhioStateFBpic.twitter.com/dlaJXYfaK4

— Cassell Cruickshank (@CassellCr) April 10, 2026

Buckeyes make top four for top 2027 OL target

Another day of the week, it was also another top schools list with Ohio State making the cut.

The latest in a long line of others, the Buckeyes are still in the running for four-star Tennessee native Antonio Keefer, who took to his social media on Thursday evening to share the latest update in his recruitment. A 6-foot-4, 295 pound offensive tackle, Keefer is down to just four options, and with 20-plus schools on his offer list, his decision is getting that much closer.

The No. 291 player nationally and 29th best offensive tackle in the 2027 class per the 247Sports Composite, Ohio State is joined by LSU, Memphis, and Ole Miss as the teams still being considered. Three offensive lineman already committed to Ohio State’s current class, Tyler Bowen is looking to secure the rest of his haul, and Keefer certainly is on the list of guys that the Buckeyes would take.

Whether or not the Buckeyes are the leader remains to be seen. At any rate, the common theme of being in the forefront of several top players at the position is all you can ask for and this staff is there.

Final 4 for 2027 OT Antonio Keefer (Memphis, TN).

6’4”, 310 SHS standout, 90 OVR
one of Tennessee’s top OL prospects.

🏠?

@314Graphics@CoachDharris55@Coach_Jay901@BigCoachJames@coachlester91@Tankb24@treykali_38125@CoachGarrisonOL@TylerBowen@FBCoachWolf@CoachAKwonpic.twitter.com/LJuuWbRM0X

— Antonio Keefer ✞ (@AAKeefer) April 9, 2026

Quick Hits

Friday being another chance for Ohio State to host recruits from all over, the Buckeyes will play host today to Iowa native Declan Heying. A 6-foot-5, 270 pound offensive tackle in the 2028 class, Heying is not yet ranked via his 247Sports profile, but does have offers from Arkansas, Iowa, Iowa State, Missouri, Tennessee, and others.

The Buckeyes have yet to pull the trigger, but bringing him in for an unofficial visit shows there’s certainly some level of mutual interest, and an offer could very much be coming in the future.

Excited to be in Columbus tomorrow! @TylerBowen@Coach__Fields@ryandaytimepic.twitter.com/VFEPgrMdSb

— Declan Heying (@DeclanH2028) April 9, 2026