Ohio State’s pursuit of New Jersey’s top football prospect is heating up, and the Buckeyes are pulling out all the stops. With a pivotal visit set for Friday, May 30, insiders hint at a strategy that could reshape the recruiting landscape. Here’s what we know so far, and why fans are buzzing about this talented EDGE.
Ohio State Insider Drops Hint On Buckeyes’ Push For Top New Jersey Prospect
Luke Wafle, the No. 1 player in the state of New Jersey and a consensus top-60 national prospect, has narrowed his choices to four schools: Ohio State, USC, Penn State, and Texas. The Buckeyes, led by defensive line coach Larry Johnson and head coach Ryan Day, are making Wafle a top priority.
As one insider put it, “Ohio State believes that they’re in it. And this is a guy that’s really high in their list… we’re in it to win it with this”.
Wafle’s official visit to Columbus on May 30 is seen as a critical moment in his recruitment. The Buckeyes have already impressed him during a spring visit, with Wafle highlighting “the people and their hunger to win every day” and calling Coach Johnson “one of the greatest ever to do it”.
The program’s pedigree for developing NFL talent and its competitive edge are major selling points, with insiders urging fans to “keep an eye on [Wafle] really, really carefully”.
Ohio State’s strategy goes beyond tradition and coaching. The Buckeyes have assembled a “very competitive NIL package” tailored to Wafle and are emphasizing their defensive scheme as a perfect fit for his skill set.
With a family history that includes a brother currently at Penn State, some have speculated Wafle could be a Nittany Lion lock- but insiders insist “it’s wide open right now,” and Ohio State is “going to have a chance to get after it” during the upcoming visit.
Why Ohio State’s Pitch Is Turning Heads
Ohio State’s recruiting team is treating Wafle’s recruitment as a must-win battle, pouring significant time, resources, and energy into their pitch.
“Anytime you’re doing it, it’s a zero-sum game…you put into somebody and you finish second…you’ve neglected other people. Ohio State feels pretty good about this,” an insider explained, underscoring the staff’s confidence and commitment.
Wafle’s junior season numbers back up the hype. He tallied 53 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and eight sacks for The Hun School, making him one of the most disruptive edge rushers in the country. His physical presence has even drawn comparisons to the Bosa brothers, former Buckeye greats now starring in the NFL.
The Buckeyes’ recent track record of sending defensive linemen to the pros is a key part of their recruiting pitch, and Wafle has taken notice.
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The timing couldn’t be more crucial. With Ohio State’s 2026 class already ranked among the nation’s best but still lacking a defensive line commitment, landing Wafle would be a major statement.
As one insider put it, “That official visit… on May 30… that’s going to tell the tale. Ohio State, on an official visit coming off a national championship, is about as impressive as you can be. That’s why I really think that we’ve got a good shot here”.
With the May 30 visit looming, Ohio State’s pursuit of Luke Wafle is reaching a fever pitch. The Buckeyes’ all-in approach- combining elite coaching, a compelling NIL offer, and a clear path to NFL development- has positioned them as a serious contender for New Jersey’s top talent. If their secret plan pays off, the recruiting world could be in for a major surprise.
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