It’s time for National Signing Day and we’ve got the latest as far as announcement times and the status of the remaining targets Ohio State is still looking to ink. Remember though, the early signing period made this day less frenetic and unpredictable as years’ past.
Ohio State has just three targets that the coaching staff is waiting on unless a surprise comes out of left field. So let’s get into each one and figure this thing all out as things are known right now.
OG, Doug Nester
Announcement Time
5PM Eastern – Wednesday
What you need to know
Nester is Ohio State’s biggest target remaining. He’s a four-star recruit that is technically a verbal commitment to Ohio State, but things have been trending away from the Buckeyes. The overwhelming belief here now is that he’s flipped and will now sign with Virginia Tech. Others are still bullish on Penn State, and some still believe he’ll chose the Buckeyes, but the writing on the wall seems to point to him being a Hokie.
Likely Outcome: Virginia Tech
UPDATE: Nester has flipped and signed with Virginia Tech as expected.
Next … Hawaii OG Enokk Vimahi
OG, Enokk Vimahi
Announcement Time
12:30 PM Eastern – Wednesday
What you need to know
Ryan Day has really been pushing hard at the end to land the Kahuku, Hawaii product. He’s even flew out to the islands over this past week to try and seal the deal. Vimahi is a four-star recruit with about the same pedigree as Nester, but his location in Hawaii has him being a heavy USC lean up until recently. It appears the gap is closing, but the conventional wisdom still says he’s going to choose Southern California. But don’t count Ohio State out.
Likely Outcome: USC
Update: Ryan Day closed the deal. The Hawaii pipeline is now open as Vimahi signed with OHIO STATE!
Next … Indy OT Dawand Jones
OT, Dawand Jones
6:30 PM Eastern – Wednesday
What you need to know
Jones has been rising in the interest of several programs lately, and Ohio State has been one of them. Ohio State’s biggest need for the future is on the offensive line, and they really like the ceiling of the 3-star, 6-8, 360 lb Indianapolis product. He appears to be Ohio State’s to lose, but Penn State has closed with James Franklin gaining a foothold. Indiana and USC also have an extreme outside chance.
Likely Outcome: Ohio State
UPDATE: As expected, Jones picked Ohio State to round out the 2019 class.
And there you have it — the 2019 recruiting class for Ohio State is complete. As far as team rankings go, it’s not a top five type class like most years, but that’s mainly because there just weren’t that many scholarships to hand out. This class still has top-end talent and will make a noticeable difference on the field in due time.
