Ohio State looks to flip elite Alabama commit during Iowa official visit weekend

The Ohio State Buckeyes are bringing in several key recruits as they face their toughest opponent of the season yet this weekend. The Iowa Hawkeyes are looking to upset the third-ranked Buckeyes and throw a wrench in Ohio State's College Football Playoff dreams.

But the Buckeyes plan to make a statement to fans, the media, and recruits as the competition ramps up. That includes Dorian Barney, an elite 4-star cornerback committed to Alabama. Can the Buckeyes flip Barney during his official visit?

The 6-foot-1, 170-pounder from Peachtree Ridge, Georgia, is a true playmaker. Ranked as a top-six cornerback across the industry, Barney entered this season with 12 interceptions. The 2026 cornerback is a top-50 player overall, so this would be a big get for the Buckeyes or Crimson Tide.

Barney previously called it a "dream" to play for the Crimson Tide, but even though Kalen DeBoer has done well with recruiting after taking over for Nick Saban, things can always change. The Buckeyes have an established coaching staff with deep NIL pockets, and their pipeline to the NFL is stronger than DeBoer's.