Elite 5-star defender will visit Ohio State for one of the Buckeyes’ biggest games this fall
Ohio State is now set to have a big time recruit in town when they host Oregon in November.
The Ohio State Buckeyes have most of their 2027 recruiting class locked in, with just a few spots remaining as the staff completes high school evaluations this fall. Much of the focus on the recruiting front has shifted to the class of 2028, where Ohio State already holds a top-ranked haul with commitments from 5-star quarterback Christopher Vargas and 5-star wide receiver Jett Harrison.
Now the Buckeyes are pushing hard for a 5-star safety who has drawn comparisons to Caleb Downs.
Casey Barner set for key November visit
According to Letterman Row’s Mick Walker, 5-star safety Casey Barner out of Georgia will visit Ohio State on Nov. 7 when the Buckeyes host the Oregon Ducks in a marquee Big Ten matchup. The visit will carry significant weight for Barner, who has already been on campus twice in recent months to build his relationship with the Ohio State coaching staff.
The Buckeyes want to bring in an elite-caliber safety in the 2028 class who can be a multi-year starter. Ohio State is adding Eli Johnson and Angelo Smith at safety in the 2027 cycle, but neither is a 5-star premier talent at the position, and both will need time to develop before they contribute. Barner, on the other hand, is the type of player who could step on the field from day one.
Why Barner fits Ohio State’s need
According to 247Sports Composite, Barner is ranked the No. 5 player in the class of 2028 and the No. 1 safety nationally. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound athlete has a strong football IQ, can play multiple safety spots, and isn’t afraid to get downhill and deliver a big hit.
Barner is going to be a player who takes a big-time investment on the NIL front, and the Buckeyes should be willing to go to battle for this one. He holds over 50 offers with schools like Alabama, Georgia, Miami, Michigan, Oregon, Tennessee, and Texas all in the mix. Getting him on campus for a big-time game against Oregon will allow Ohio State to roll out the red carpet and show him what the game environment looks like for those premier matchups.
By that point in the season, Ohio State vs. Oregon could be a top-5 showdown with huge Big Ten title ramifications. A win over the Ducks would only help the Buckeyes’ push for a player like Barner. This is one to keep an eye on as the fall unfolds.
