James Franklin just got in the way of Ohio State football making a major move on the recruiting trail

Ohio State football just missed out on one of its key recruiting targets. James Franklin and Virginia Tech were able to get a rare win over the Buckeyes.

Brandon Little — Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer
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Nov 22, 2025; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies head coach James Franklin on the sidelines before the start of the game against the Miami (FL) Hurricanes at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images

The Ohio State Buckeyes hosted a key group of recruits once again this past weekend. There were multiple key visitors on campus again in the 2027, 2028, and 2029 recruiting classes. 

Through two official visit weekends, the Buckeyes have yet to get a commitment on the board to add the 11 they had in 2027. Ohio State has seen a few of its targets off the board, and another one just came across. 

Ohio State loses key recruiting target to Virginia Tech in a surprising move  

The Buckeyes don’t yet have a true cornerback committed for 2027 and another option has come off the board. Woodward Academy (GA) four-star CB Bryce Woods committed to Virginia Tech on Sunday over the Buckeyes and Auburn Tigers. 

Ohio State was set to get an official visit from the 6-foot-2, 175-pound cornerback the weekend of June 12. The Hokies getting his commitment before then was a big point of emphasis so that he doesn’t make the official visit to Columbus. Of course, NIL was a factor here, but it’s a move I’ll tip my cap to on James Franklin and his staff getting it done. 

Though the commitment has been made, this should be a situation where the Buckeyes will continue to recruit Woods despite his commitment to Virginia Tech. 

Ohio State is likely looking to lean on the in-state duo in this class  

The Buckeyes have a couple of safeties committed with four-star Eli Johnson and three-star Angelo Smith, the brother of Jeremiah Smith. Ohio State has a couple of talented in-state cornerbacks they could end up landing, and as of right now I think they do. 

Ohio State is a school to watch for former Indiana commitment CB Monsanna Torbert Jr., who plays at Princeton High School in the Cincinnati area. Torbert and Massillon Washington three-star CB Deontay Malone are two players to watch for the Buckeyes. 

Missing on Woods is notable for Ohio State, but certainly isn’t a class-shifting move. 

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