Ohio State 'Team to Watch' for Potential 4-Star Bill Belichick Target

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lorenzo J. Reyna | Last updated Sep 10, 2025 2:28 PM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes lost one prized 2026 talent to North Carolina, as Bill Belichick helped flip four-star safety Jakob Weatherspoon in July.

Now the Buckeyes could get even with the legendary head coach and UNC. One insider says they've become the "team to watch" for one potential Belichick target who stars 43 minutes east of Chapel Hill.

Four-star safety Marquis Bryant of Rolesville, N.C., landed his newest offer from the No. 1 ranked Buckeyes on Monday. Tom Loy of 247Sports shared how Bryant previously announced a top six of North Carolina, Florida State, Georgia, Notre Dame, Tennessee, and Clemson.

But now Loy says: "Ohio State has officially entered the race, and they are a team to watch" for the 2027 talent.

4-Star Reacts to Ohio State Offer and if Recruitment Changes

The 5-foot-11, 190-pound defender told Loy that safeties coach Matt Guerrieri personally offered him. But pivoted to offering over the phone due to scheduling conflicts for both the coach and player.

"He basically said he couldn't wait any longer, and he needed to offer me," Bryant told Loy.

Bryant loves the fact Ohio State earns a reputation for producing talented safeties. Caleb Downs leads the current safety group and is commanding top five NFL Draft attention.

Bryant has delivered 20 combined pass breakups his freshman and sophomore seasons. He's also forced three fumbles.

The Rolesville High star holds 30 different scholarship offers. He hails from the same high school that produced fast-rising Heisman Trophy contender Byrum Brown of South Florida.

Bryant envisions returning to Columbus for the first time since his freshman season. He's aiming to squeeze in a future Columbus visit following his offer. He already took a game day visit to Clemson on Aug. 30, watching the Tigers fall to LSU 17-10.

He's the nation's No. 13 overall safety and North Carolina's fifth-best '27 prospect per 247Sports.

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

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