Ohio State Football Recruiting 2024: Top Remaining Recruits, Class Predictions

The Ohio State Buckeyes won 11 games in 2023 but still had, by their standards, a disappointing campaign.

A 30-24 loss to Michigan knocked the Buckeyes out of the College Football Playoff and left them largely uninterested in the Cotton Bowl matchup with Missouri. However, Ohio State has a very good chance of returning to title contention in 2024.

Yes, Jim Harbaugh's departure from Michigan plays a role, as it should make the Buckeyes the early Big Ten favorites. An impressive collection of transfers and a stellar recruiting class—not to mention a number of returning stars—is what sets up Ohio State for success.

The Buckeyes have largely locked in their 2024 recruiting class, and with the regular national signing period opening on Wednesday, now is the perfect time to dive into what's in store.

Ohio State's recruiting class is ranked fifth by 247Sports, though there's more to consider than just incoming high school stars.

The Buckeyes have landed top transfers like running back Quinshon Judkins, safety Caleb Downs and quarterback Julian Sayin. Sayin, a former 5-star recruit, is a particularly intriguing addition, and he'll be reunited with new offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien in Columbus.

O'Brien was with Alabama during Sayin's initial recruitment and spent last season with the New England Patriots.

"I held this program in high regard throughout my entire recruiting process and am looking forward to learning from some of the most talented players and coaches in college football and contributing to our team's success," Sayin said, per ESPN's Pete Thamel.

In terms of incoming high school recruits, the Buckeyes boast four 5-star players—Chaminade-Madonna Prep (Hollywood, FL) receiver Jeremiah Smith, Buford (Buford, GA) edge-rusher Eddrick Houston, New Haven (New Haven, IN) receiver Mylan Graham and Springfield (Holland, OH) cornerback Aaron Scott.

Smith is the nation's top-ranked recruit, according to 247 Sports.

Ohio State has another 14 4-star recruits committed to their 2024 class, along with a trio of 3-star recruits.

Just as importantly, the Buckeyes are set to have a few draft-eligible stars back in 2024. That group includes cornerback Denzel Burke and pass-rusher JT Tuimoloau—the 20th and 24th-ranked draft prospects on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's January big board.

With an impressive combination of returning and new talent, the Buckeyes are set to be one of the top programs in the country next season.

Thanks to the trend of players committing during the early signing period, the Buckeyes aren't facing much drama heading into the regular period.

A few top recruits are still unsigned, including 5-star athlete Terry Bussey of Timpson (Texas). However, the top recruits are all eying other programs. Bussey, for example, is expected to pick between Texas A&M, LSU and Georgia on Wednesday, according to On3.

The Buckeyes do have a pair of commits who haven't officially signed, though. 4-star defensive lineman Dominic Kirks of Riverside (Painesville, OH) and 2-star long-snapper Morrow Evans of Episcopal (Bellaire, TX) are expected to sign in the coming days.

The addition of Kirks is particularly important for the long-term direction of the program.

"In today's world, anyone on the roster can transfer," Andrew Gillis of Cleveland.com wrote. "Presuming that [Jack] Sawyer and Tuimoloau will depart for the NFL after the 2024 season, adding Kirks gives the Buckeyes some much-needed depth up front."

Surprises can always occur. However, aside from official announcements involving Kirks and Evans, though, the regular signing will likely be a quiet affair for the Buckeyes. Expect Ohio State's class ranking to remain unchanged.

1. Georgia

2. Alabama

3. Oregon

4. Miami

5. Ohio State

6. Texas

7. LSU

8. Auburn

9. Oklahoma

10. Notre Dame

11. Clemson

12. Florida State

13. Tennessee

14. Florida

15. Penn State

16. Michigan

17. USC

18. Nebraska

19. Missouri

20. South Carolina

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*via 247Sports