Touted Quarterback Predicted to Turn Down Ohio State

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dibyendu Mondal | Last updated Apr 18, 2025 1:48 PM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes have secured 11 commitments for their 2026 recruiting class but remain in search of a quarterback and running back. Their pursuit of a signal-caller hit another hurdle with 6-foot-1 DePaul Catholic prospect Derrek Zammit trending away from the program.

Zammit, who visited Ohio State on April 1 and holds 22 scholarship offers, appears to be narrowing his focus. On3 recruiting analysts now project Washington or Alabama as the likely destinations for the three-star quarterback, following his visits to Washington on April 5 and Alabama on April 15.

Ranked 484th nationally and 28th among quarterbacks per On3, Zammit has opted to expedite his decision process, with a commitment announcement expected soon.

"Derek Zammit visited and was told Ohio State will need to see him throw this spring but it seems he doesn’t want to wait and is making a commitment this week and it looks like Washington or Alabama is the pick." Alex Gleitman from On3 writes.

Full Junior Season Highlight, check it out!!
2582 pass yds / 35 tds
560 rush yds / 6 tds@dpfootball @CoachCamp01 https://t.co/jrIOJXKA4n
— Derek Zammit (@derek_zammit) December 18, 2024

Among the remaining quarterback prospects linked to Ohio State, Jett Thomalla emerges as the Buckeyes’ top viable target. Head coach Ryan Day plans to evaluate the rising talent firsthand during upcoming workouts, with a focus on Thomalla’s arm talent and readiness to compete under center.

"Jett Thomalla could be the guy. Unlike Zammit he visited and is being a bit more patient," Gleitman writes. "OSU works to get out to see him throw in the coming weeks. He looks destined to go to Iowa or Iowa State should the Bucks not offer, but if they do, I think they land him."

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

More must-reads: