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Ohio State Buckeyes take tough loss off of the field, though a chance to rebound is right in front of them
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Ohio State Buckeyes are aiming to take two running backs in the 2025 class, and they’re already halfway there with a commitment from four-star Delaware Hayes (OH) RB Favour Akih.

Ohio State continues to couple of other backs in the class, including one that just came off of the boards.

Unfortunately for the Buckeyes, one of their running back targets has committed to an SEC school—and it won’t be Columbus where he plays on Saturdays in the fall.

Four-star RB Carsyn Baker Commits to Florida Over Ohio State, and others 

On Friday, four-star Langston Hughes (GA) running back Carsyn Baker committed to Florida over Ohio State, Florida State, and South Carolina. Baker, ranked as the No. 15 running back in the country by 247Sports Composite, is a big addition for the Gators.

That said, the Buckeyes have had their eyes set higher. Five-star Louisa County (VA) RB Savion Hiter remains Ohio State’s top running back target.

While missing out on Baker is a miss for now, Hiter is still uncommitted, and Ohio State remains firmly in the mix. He’s also considering Michigan, Tennessee, and Georgia, but the Buckeyes are viewed as one of the frontrunners.

Hiter has already taken his official visit to Columbus, and it was said to have went well. If the Buckeyes can secure a commitment from the five-star prospect and No. 1 running back in the country, missing out on Baker—and other targets—will be far easier to understand. In fact, it may all work out exactly as Ohio State planned if they land the top target. Carlos Locklyn has had a strong start to his Ohio State tenure through a season and an offseason, and landing a key recruit here would be huge for him. 

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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