The Ohio State Buckeyes hold the top-ranked 2028 recruiting class and took a massive step forward last week by landing 5-star quarterback Christopher Vargas, the No. 1 quarterback in the class. Ohio State has four commitments so far and plenty of work left to do. With most of the heavy lifting done for the 2027 haul, the Buckeyes are now turning their attention to adding more elite talent on the defensive side of the ball for 2028.

Buckeyes already have 1 defensive lineman, trying to make a move on another 5-star

Ohio State has one defensive lineman committed in in-state prospect Jameer Wyche, a potential 5-star caliber player. Now the coaching staff is working to potentially add another 5-star into the mix, and a visit is expected to happen during the season.

The Buckeyes are after 5-star pass rusher Asher Ghioto, the 6-foot-5, 240-pound edge out of The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida. Ghioto is a player Ohio State really likes, but pulling him away from the Florida schools could prove difficult. Miami and the Florida Gators figure to be tough competition here. Still, the Buckeyes clearly have his attention, and defensive line coach Larry Johnson is a major reason why.

According to Lettermen Row’s Alex Gleitman, Ghiotto is expected to take a visit this season for either the Oregon or Michigan game. That decision hasn’t been finalized yet.

In terms of what he’s looking for on his trip to Columbus, Ghiotto said, “I’m just looking forward seeing Coach Johnson and chopping it up with the GOAT,” Ghioto stated via Rivals. “He is such a great teacher and a great man. Also, the atmosphere of a game. And to if I can handle the cold (laughs).”

That last part is worth noting. Players and recruits from the South often think about what it would be like playing up north, and a Florida kid isn’t going to have much experience with cold weather. Coming to Ohio in November would give Ghiotto a chance to feel the cold and see if it’s something he could handle for a few months out of the year.

Ghioto is one of the top prospects in the entire 2028 class

According to 247Sports Composite rankings, Ghioto is the No. 3 player nationally and the No. 1 edge in the class of 2028. He’s a big-time prospect with 63 college offers to his name, coming off a 2025 sophomore season in which he put together 84 tackles and 23 sacks.

Getting Ghioto on campus is a big deal. If the Buckeyes pull it off, they could have a real shot at landing the elite 5-star prospect. Ohio State does have one of Ghioto’s former teammates on the roster in freshman defensive back Simeon Caldwell, which could help in the recruiting pitch.

Ghioto isn’t likely to decide his college destination until after the season, but the Buckeyes are definitely in the mix. Coach Johnson has a track record of closing on elite prospects once he gets them on campus, and a November game-day visit could go a long way toward making that happen.