Havon Finney Jr., 5-star cornerback, on Ohio State Buckeyes visit: ‘(They) will definitely be in my top 3’
Havon Finney Jr., 5-Star Cornerback, on Ohio State Buckeyes Visit: “(They) Will Definitely Be in My Top 3”
In one of the most highly anticipated recruitments of the 2025 college football recruiting cycle, Havon Finney Jr., a 5-star cornerback from McKinney, Texas, has officially emerged as one of the most sought-after defensive prospects in the nation. Finney, who is widely regarded as one of the top cornerbacks in the country, recently visited Ohio State University, one of college football’s premier programs, and made waves with his statement that the Buckeyes would “definitely be in my top 3” as he narrows down his options ahead of National Signing Day.
The recruitment of Finney Jr. has been closely watched by college football fans and analysts alike, given his combination of size, athleticism, and elite skills on the field. His visit to Ohio State has only added more fuel to the fire, as many now speculate that the Buckeyes may be positioned to make a serious push for his commitment in the coming months.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Havon Finney Jr.’s recruitment, what his visit to Ohio State means for the program, and what factors could ultimately influence his decision as he weighs his options for the next step in his football career.
The Rise of Havon Finney Jr.
Havon Finney Jr.’s journey to being one of the nation’s top cornerbacks began long before he earned his 5-star status. The young athlete’s rise to prominence can be traced to his standout performances at McKinney High School, where he quickly became known for his ability to shut down some of the top wide receivers in Texas, a state renowned for its high level of football competition.
Finney is listed at 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, which gives him the ideal size to be a dominant force at cornerback. His physical attributes are complemented by his elite speed, footwork, and ball skills, making him an excellent fit for a position that demands quick reactions and the ability to stay with fast, skilled wide receivers.
As a junior, Finney helped lead McKinney to a deep playoff run in the Texas 6A playoffs, further cementing his status as one of the top cornerback prospects in the nation. Over the course of his high school career, he accumulated numerous interceptions, pass breakups, and forced fumbles, demonstrating his ability to make game-changing plays from the defensive backfield.
Despite his success at the high school level, it’s Finney’s potential to impact at the collegiate level that has college programs salivating. Scouts have consistently noted his ability to lock down wide receivers in man-to-man coverage, as well as his natural instincts to read the quarterback’s eyes and break on the ball in zone coverage. These attributes make him a top candidate for college programs that place a premium on having a lockdown cornerback who can take away one side of the field.
The Recruiting Landscape: A Who’s Who of College Football Giants
As one of the top recruits in the country, Finney Jr. has attracted interest from virtually every major football program in the country. His recruitment has included offers from powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, and LSU, all of which are consistently competing for national championships and producing elite talent at every position.
However, the recruitment of Finney Jr. has not been without drama. Much like other top-tier recruits, he has been the subject of much speculation, with analysts and fans alike attempting to predict where he will ultimately land. With his recent statement about Ohio State being “definitely” in his top 3, the Buckeyes have undoubtedly emerged as a serious contender in his recruitment.
This news comes as a major boost for Ohio State, which has built a reputation as one of the premier programs in the country, particularly in producing NFL-caliber defensive backs. With head coach Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles leading the charge, the Buckeyes have created a defensive system that develops top-tier cornerbacks, including recent stars like Denzel Burke and Shaun Wade. Finney Jr.’s potential to thrive in this system makes Ohio State an attractive destination for the highly coveted cornerback.
Ohio State’s Defensive Success Under Ryan Day
One of the key reasons that Ohio State has become such an attractive landing spot for Finney is the success the program has had in developing defensive players under Ryan Day’s tenure as head coach. While Day is often associated with the Buckeyes’ high-powered offense, his defensive coaching staff has been critical to the team’s rise as a national contender.
Under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who joined Ohio State in 2022, the Buckeyes have significantly improved their defense, particularly in terms of pass coverage and overall pass defense. Knowles’ system emphasizes a combination of aggressive playcalling and sound fundamentals in the secondary, making it a great fit for a cornerback like Finney, who excels at both reading the quarterback and being physical in coverage.
Knowles has a history of developing elite defensive backs, having coached top players at both Oklahoma State and Duke. His ability to hone the skills of cornerbacks, along with Ohio State’s emphasis on creating turnovers and making plays in the passing game, gives the Buckeyes a distinct advantage in the race for Finney’s commitment.
During his recruitment, Finney has been candid about how important it is for him to play in a system that will allow him to showcase his skills and prepare him for the next level. Ohio State’s proven track record of producing NFL-caliber defensive backs, coupled with its strong defensive system, has made the Buckeyes a highly appealing option.
Finney Jr.’s Visit to Ohio State: A Major Milestone
Finney Jr.’s recent visit to Ohio State only serves to intensify the excitement surrounding his recruitment. Ohio State has long been a program that is known for its impressive recruiting visits, and Finney’s experience in Columbus was no different. The visit included an opportunity to meet with coaches, tour the state-of-the-art facilities at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, and spend time with current players and other recruits.
The highlight of the visit was undoubtedly Finney’s time spent with Ohio State’s coaching staff. Both Ryan Day and Jim Knowles made it clear to the 5-star recruit that they view him as a potential cornerstone of the program’s defense for years to come. The personal attention given to Finney, along with the pitch about the program’s future success, only added to Ohio State’s appeal.
Finney also had the opportunity to watch Ohio State practice, and while it was early in the spring, it was evident that the Buckeyes’ defense has made major strides under Knowles’ tutelage. The secondary, which has been a strength for Ohio State in recent years, looks poised to take another leap forward in 2025, and Finney could be a part of that success.
Perhaps most telling was Finney’s own comments after the visit, which made it clear that Ohio State is not only a top contender but will be a serious factor in his decision. “I had a great time on my visit to Ohio State,” Finney said. “The atmosphere was amazing, and I really got a good feel for what the program is all about. The coaches made it clear that they want me to be a part of something special, and I can definitely see myself being part of this program. Ohio State will definitely be in my top 3.”
What Does Ohio State Have to Offer Finney?
For Havon Finney Jr., Ohio State offers an array of advantages that make it an attractive option as he narrows down his choices. Some of the key factors that make the Buckeyes a compelling destination for the elite cornerback include:
- Elite Coaching Staff: Under Ryan Day and Jim Knowles, Ohio State has built one of the best defensive coaching staffs in college football. Knowles’ experience and success at developing top-tier defensive backs provide an ideal environment for Finney to reach his full potential.
- Track Record of Success: Ohio State’s ability to develop NFL-caliber talent at nearly every position, especially in the secondary, is well-documented. The program’s sustained success in recruiting and player development is a major selling point for any top recruit.
- Big Ten and National Exposure: Ohio State is consistently one of the top programs in the country, competing for Big Ten championships and national titles year in and year out. Finney would have the chance to play in the spotlight on a national stage, with a chance to showcase his talents on the biggest platforms in college football.
- Development for the Next Level: Ohio State’s recent track record of producing first-round NFL draft picks, particularly in the defensive backfield, gives Finney a clear path to the next level. With programs like the NFL Scouting Combine and regular representation in the league’s top picks, Ohio State is an attractive option for any recruit hoping to make a name for themselves in the NFL.
What’s Next for Finney Jr.?
With Ohio State solidly in the mix for Havon Finney Jr.’s commitment, the next few months will be critical in determining his future destination. Finney will likely make more visits to other programs in his top 3, weighing each one carefully as he evaluates the best fit for his skills, development, and long-term goals.
At this stage, it’s unclear when Finney will make his final decision, but it’s clear that Ohio State has positioned itself as one of the top contenders for his services. The Buckeyes, with their elite coaching, tradition of success, and track record of developing defensive stars, will certainly be a program to watch as Finney continues his recruitment.
As the 2025 college football season approaches, all eyes will be on Finney and his recruitment, with Ohio State hoping to land one of the nation’s top cornerbacks and further solidify its reputation as a top destination for elite defensive talent.
