Ohio State in Intense Battle With Alabama, Penn State for Coveted Star

As the 2025 college football recruiting cycle intensifies, Ohio State, Alabama, and Penn State have emerged as the primary contenders for some of the nation’s most coveted high school prospects. These programs, each with rich traditions and recent successes, are vying for top-tier talent to bolster their rosters for the upcoming seasons.

Ohio State has solidified its position as a recruiting juggernaut, consistently attracting elite talent from across the country. In the 2025 cycle, the Buckeyes have secured commitments from several high-profile recruits, including:

• Tavien St. Clair (QB): A five-star quarterback from Bellefontaine, Ohio, St. Clair is known for his arm strength and mobility. His commitment is a significant coup for Ohio State, adding a dynamic playmaker to their future quarterback room.
• Zahir Mathis (DE): The No. 1 recruit in Pennsylvania, Mathis is a 6’6″, 230-pound defensive end from Philadelphia’s Imhotep Charter. His commitment to Ohio State over Penn State marks a significant win for the Buckeyes, especially in a state where Penn State has traditionally dominated recruiting.

These additions bolster Ohio State’s already impressive recruiting class, which is currently ranked among the top in the nation.

Alabama, under head coach Nick Saban, continues to be a formidable force in recruiting. The Crimson Tide have secured commitments from several top prospects, including:

• Keelon Russell (QB): A dual-threat quarterback from Duncanville, Texas, Russell is praised for his athleticism and playmaking ability. His commitment to Alabama adds depth to their quarterback position.
• David Sanders (OT): Considered one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the 2025 class, Sanders’ commitment strengthens Alabama’s offensive line for the future.

Despite these commitments, Alabama faces challenges in maintaining its top spot in recruiting rankings, with programs like Ohio State and Oregon making significant strides.

Penn State, traditionally a powerhouse in the Big Ten, is actively working to secure top talent to remain competitive. The Nittany Lions have made strategic moves, including:

• Brian Kortovich (TE): A four-star tight end from Cleveland, Ohio, Kortovich’s commitment adds depth to Penn State’s offense.
• Zahir Mathis (DE): The loss of Mathis to Ohio State is a significant blow, as he was the top recruit in Pennsylvania. Penn State had successfully signed the state’s top recruit in previous cycles, making this loss notable.

While Penn State continues to recruit well, the competition from programs like Ohio State and Alabama presents challenges in securing top-tier talent.

The battle for elite recruits among Ohio State, Alabama, and Penn State underscores the competitive nature of college football recruiting. Each program brings unique strengths to the table:

• Ohio State: Known for its strong development programs and recent national championship win, Ohio State offers recruits the opportunity to compete at the highest level.
• Alabama: With a rich history of success and a proven track record under Coach Saban, Alabama remains an attractive destination for top talent.
• Penn State: While facing challenges, Penn State continues to be a formidable force in the Big Ten, offering recruits the chance to play in a competitive conference with a passionate fan base.

As the recruiting cycle progresses, the decisions of top prospects will shape the future of these programs and the landscape of college football.