‘They’ll never go away’: Meet the elite five-star prospect Ohio State refuses to cease flip efforts on
The Ohio State Buckeyes haven’t had much luck chasing after elite pass-rushers out of high school in recent years, as NIL has forced them to spend shrewdly on individual talents who can’t star on Day 1. But there’s something different about five-star Luke Wafle, who is committed to the USC Trojans. Months after it seemed […]
The Ohio State Buckeyes haven’t had much luck chasing after elite pass-rushers out of high school in recent years, as NIL has forced them to spend shrewdly on individual talents who can’t star on Day 1. But there’s something different about five-star Luke Wafle, who is committed to the USC Trojans. Months after it seemed the Buckeyes would hedge their bets against flipping Wafle, Ryan Day and company are still in pursuit.
“Luke Wafle is a guy they’re never going to go away on,” On3’s Steve Wiltfong reported this week. While the 6-foot-5, 255-pound Wafle would fit the mold of Jack Sawyer, Wiltfong believes the New Jersey product is “locked in” with USC because of his relationships with the staff. Still, the Buckeyes won’t stop.
Jeremy Birmingham of On3 reported the Buckeyes aren’t willing to go where USC is as far as spending, but that could change in the coming weeks. This is a philosophical discussion more than a capability, though that’s a notable concern if they start opening the checkbook for everyone they’re interested in.
“And it’s important to know that even as Ohio State seeks, and finds, flexibility in the NIL space over the next few months, the philosophy is unlikely to change. The Buckeyes aren’t unable to make every high school player they offer a millionaire,” Birmingham wrote. “But they won’t routinely pay a high school player more than current players and expected starters. Ohio State isn’t willing to risk its culture. That is a culture that held together under immense stress in the last month of the 2024 season and yielded a national title. Ryan Day believes fully that his program is built on the things that matter.”
It’s only a matter of time before the Buckeyes do make a big splash at the position and draw immense love from a fanbase desperately wanting the days of Chase Young and Nick and Joey Bosa to return. But it may not come with Wafle. Penn State is another lurking presence for the Buckeyes’ top target, and the Buckeyes may be able to swap four-star Danny Odem from Nebraska for a more reasonable cost.
Funny enough, Wafle has a player comparison to Sawyer in his scouting report from Andrew Ivins of 247Sports.
“Force-based defensive end that’s a tackle collector on the edge. Measured roughly 6-foot-5, 245 pounds spring before senior year and came in with some promising features. Racks up stops when ball carriers near his gaps as he has the strength and power to will his way to wins. Not always the quickest off the snap, but has the awareness to move laterally and beat cutoffs. Heavy hands and a diesel engine tend to produce most of his quarterback pressures as he defeats protection by trying to ram his way through it. Spent junior season working out of a three-point stance in a modified four-man front where he was frequently asked to play over offensive tackles. Likely to find most success in a similar alignment on Saturdays as he’s built for box-based football with his toughness and football IQ. Might need some time to find his footing, but projects as a potential impact player for a College Football Playoff contender that can do the dirty work.”
