Five-star Ohio State target calls out galvanizing under-the-radar aspect of Ryan Day's program
The return of outspoken faith in Christianity to college football was an unexpected development in the 2024-25 season. More than ever, athletes seem to be publicly praising God and attributing their successes to Him. Ohio State was one of the most prominent programs to outwardly make that part of their identity, and its drawing one […]
The return of outspoken faith in Christianity to college football was an unexpected development in the 2024-25 season. More than ever, athletes seem to be publicly praising God and attributing their successes to Him.
Ohio State was one of the most prominent programs to outwardly make that part of their identity, and its drawing one of the top recruits in the 2026 class to Ryan Day's team.
According to On3's Chad Simmons, five-star offensive lineman Darius Gray will make a seventh visit to Ohio State in June.
Gray said, "What I like about Ohio State is the atmosphere they are building there, but most importantly, they are open to spreading the gospel."
The 6-foot-3, 285-pound interior lineman prospect from Richmond, Virginia, is being chased by every program imaginable. LSU, Oregon, and Notre Dame are also on his list.
However, Day's willingness to let his team leaders publicly address their faith has given them a certain level of identification and agency we haven't seen from a public school's football team.
Ohio State's praise continued even as the Buckeyes won the National Championship against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in January. Ohio State quarterback Will Howard made it a point to say, "I can't believe God gave me the chance to be a Buckeye."
Even with most of the team's leaders off to the 2025 NFL Draft, there's an intrinsic connection lasting beyond the familiar names who were leading community efforts.
“It's been amazing to watch this team grow spiritually,” Day said during the lead up to the National Championship. “We have Bible studies and reflections that we'll have folks come in and speak at, and we have been for a long time, but then also seeing our players lead them in those moments.”
TreVeyon Henderson, who has produced 1,251 yards of total offense last season, was one of multiple Buckeye players who spoke at an on-campus faith event in August that drew more than 2,000 people. He originally thought he would enter the 2024 draft but explained on the Sports Spectrum Podcast why God called him back to Ohio State.
“My purpose is to be here and to continue to lead others to Him, to continue to grow closer to Him, you know, and man, spread His Word to others and lead others to Him, to Jesus, and to the Kingdom,” he said on the podcast.
We'll see if this connection continues to be what drives Gray to the Buckeyes as his recruitment unfolds over the coming months.
