Ohio State Gets Concerning Message From Coveted Star

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dave Holcomb | Last updated May 6, 2025 6:26 PM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Oregon Ducks on their way to the national championship last season. But the Buckeyes and Ducks are engaging in a lot more battles on the recruiting trail this spring.

One of those battles is over five-star defensive lineman Richard Wesley.

Unfortunately for the Buckeyes, they may be falling behind the Ducks in Wesley's recruitment process.

"Oregon recruits me way harder than everyone else," Wesley told On3's Chad Simmons. "They preach Dan Lanning and his background and the same with Tosh Lupoi.

"They let me know the Oregon track record, and I have seen that."

Wesley took unofficial visits to Ohio State and Oregon along with the Tennessee Volunteers, Texas Longhorns, Texas A&M Aggies and USC Trojans. The defensive lineman told Simmons he will also take official visits to all six schools.

Wesley added that program chemistry and NFL development are important factors in his decision process.

“The culture is very important. I want to be where I want to stay and not go home. Having proof of development is another important thing," Wesley told Simmons. "I want to go where I can make my dreams come true of playing in the NFL.”

One school is recruiting elite EDGE Richard Wesley 'way harder' than everyone else, he tells @ChadSimmons_

“I love the feeling there and I love everything there.”

Intel: https://t.co/9BKHLtsVLs pic.twitter.com/NYPQAVSjhC
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) May 5, 2025

Wesley is a four-star recruit based on the 247Sports ratings. But according to the 247Sports composite rankings, Wesley is a five-star prospect who is also rated the No. 3 edge rusher in the 2026 recruiting class.

The 247Sports composite rankings also rate Wesley the No. 5 California recruit and No. 20 overall prospect in the class.

Standing at 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, Wesley will play his final high school season at Sierra Canyon in Chatsworth, Calif.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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