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Ohio State Likely to be 'Aggressive' in Pursuit of 4-Star Committed to USC

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lorenzo J. Reyna | Last updated Sep 18, 2025 2:36 PM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes lost out on adding a four-star defender over the summer to USC. But the nation's top-ranked team doesn't look like they're done pursuing Luke Wafle.

Garrick Hodge of 247Sports revealed that Wafle is very much still a priority for OSU's 2026 recruiting class.

"Ohio State still desires an edge for the 2026 class and [defensive line coach] Larry Johnson and OSU are certainly doing their due diligence. Though Luke Wafle is committed to USC, I believe the Buckeyes will stay aggressive on that front until National Signing Day, considering he's clearly at the top of OSU's board," Hodge wrote.

USC managed to win over the state of New Jersey's top-ranked prospect for his graduating class. Wafle stars for the Hun School in Princeton. Ohio State was one of his offers.

How Will Ohio State Attempt to Flip 4-Star USC Commit?

Hodge shared what Buckeyes coaches will do with no game this Saturday.

"Ohio State coaches will be on the road recruiting starting on Friday and I'd be stunned if Wafle doesn't receive a visit from Johnson," Hodge wrote.

Can OSU pull off the massive change of heart for Wafle?

"It'll take a lot to eventually flip him off USC, though," Hodge added.

He even adds how Michigan commit Carter Meadows is another edge rush priority for OSU. But Hodge says Meadows is "least likely" to land at Ohio State compared to Wafle.

Ohio State Target Compared to Recent Defensive Star

Wafle plays with a similar flair and energy to Jack Sawyer, with Andrew Ivins of 247Sports making that comparison. The same Sawyer who brought relentless pass rushing during Ohio State's 2024 national title run.

"Force-based defensive end that’s a tackle collector on the edge. Measured roughly 6-foot-5, 245 pounds spring before senior year and came in with some promising features. Racks up stops when ball carriers near his gaps as he has the strength and power to will his way to wins," the national director of scouting Ivins wrote in his prospect evaluation.

USC turned to defensive line coaches Eric Henderson and Shaun Nua to court Wafle. Becoming a rare Atlantic Coastline win for the Trojans.

But Wafle can't officially join USC until he signs his letter of intent come December. Hence why Ohio State remains proactive in pursuing him.

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

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