Ohio State could deliver recruiting haymaker as they host Penn State's top commit during Saturday's showdown

The Ohio State Buckeyes are looking to deliver two knockout blows to Penn State on Saturday afternoon. Ryan Day's Buckeyes are three-score favorites at home in what was supposed to be a game that determined who would go to the Big Ten Championship Game. Instead, this is a recruiting-centric matchup that should be a blowout by the end of the third quarter.

So much has gone wrong for Penn State this season that it's hard to fathom how we got here. After firing head coach Penn State, the Nittany Lions are now at risk of losing in-state star and 2027 top recruit Kemon Spell for good. The No. 1 running back's recruitment has taken a sharp turn recently after decommitting.

The Buckeyes are now considered a major player in the race, per experts and inside sources.

Ohio State called 'frontrunners' for elite RB prospect Kemon Spell

“Ohio State is right there, one of the frontrunners," On3's Steve Wiltfong reported in his latest scouting notebook. The Buckeyes hosted Spell in Week 1 when Texas came to Columbus, and the explosive ball-carrier is clearly interested by returning again. He's also visited Notre Dame and will go to Tennessee.

“I’m the No. 1 running back in the country,” Spell said. “So, I want to explore my options. God gave me this gift to go take it. So, that’s what I’ve been doing. Just leaving my options open is a good thing for my recruiting process to see where I best fit.”

The McKeesport (Pa.) standout, who committed to the Nittany Lions back in August 2024, has also drawn interest from Georgia and Alabama. The 5-foot-10, 210-pounder has quite the impressive scouting report from On3.

"All-encompassing running back that can win with power and elusiveness on inside and outside runs. 5-foot-9, 200-plus pounds with tremendous twitch and leg drive. Plays with low pad level and an excellent center of gravity in order to deliver blows and take them himself. Has breakaway speed in order to hit the homerun. Ran sub-11 in the 100m during his sophomore track season. Shows the ability to catch the ball away from his frame as a pass catcher. Has all the physical and athletic tools to make an immediate impact at the next level and beyond. Younger prospect for the cycle."