Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Ohio State Reacts to Major Recruiting News on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton | Last updated Oct 16, 2025 4:25 PM ET

Ohio State added a high-end piece to its early 2028 haul on Thursday, when Rivals reporter Hayes Fawcett reported that Elite 2028 defensive lineman Jameer Whyce (Trotwood-Madison, Dayton, OH) pledged to the Buckeyes over finalists Miami and Maryland.

Whyce — a 6'4, 275 lb interior presence — announced the commitment after multiple unofficial visits to Columbus. Rivals rankings list Whyce as a four-star recruit, the No. 9 prospect in the 2028 class and the top-rated player in the state of Ohio.

After the commitment news circulated (reported by Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett), Ohio State’s social media team posted celebratory reaction clips of players and staff yelling "BOOM!" in short videos, a rapid, viral welcome that amplifies the recruit’s arrival.

R2X B⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️M pic.twitter.com/SMrDNIGYGU
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) October 16, 2025

Whyce becomes an early marquee addition to Ohio State’s 2028 class, giving Ryan Day’s staff momentum on the defensive front and adding a-rated in‑state talent to the recruiting ledger.

Whyce joins fellow four-star two-way player Elijah Newman-Hall (No. 65-ranked player nationally) as the second hard commit for the Buckeyes in 2028.

Ohio State also has three hard commits for the 2027 class (two-way player Jamier Brown, QB Brady Edmunds, S Angelo Smith) and the ninth-ranked 2026 class with 22 hard commits.

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day leads his team onto the field prior to the NCAA football game against the Texas Longhorns at Ohio Stadium.© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Looking at where the Buckeyes stand right now, it's easy to see why Whyce decided to stay home.

Ohio State enters Week 8 of the college football season at 6-0 and the No. 1-ranked team in the country. They're 3-0 in Big Ten play and have knocked off ranked opponents, Texas (W 14-7) and Illinois (W 34-16), as well as Washington (W 24-6) and Minnesota (W 42-3).

Their next test comes on Saturday as the Buckeyes travel to Camp Randall Stadium to face the Wisconsin Badgers, a program that is 2-4 (0-3 Big Ten) and reeling after getting shut out by Iowa 37-0 at home in Week 7.

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

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