Big time WR target reclassifies to 2027 class, top tight end looking to commit this winter
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It not that often that high school players reclassify, but when it does present itself it’s usually for some of the top talent the prep ranks has to offer. That’s the case with wide receiver target, Eric McFarland.
A 5-foot-10, 175 pound athlete out of IMG Academy, McFarland made the latest update in his recruitment on Wednesday, moving from the 2028 class to the 2027 class. Looking to end his recruitment quicker than originally anticipated, the move shows his desire to get close to a decision, and Ohio State is one the schools with a real shot.
The No. 23 player nationally and fifth best receiver per the 247Sports Composite, it doesn’t matter what graduation year McFarland falls under when it comes to being among the best high school players in the country.
The Buckeyes are in the market for a receivers coach, so maybe the timing isn’t completely perfect that he’s getting closer to narrowing it down, but with Chris Henry Jr. showing it’s more about the program than just the position coach by sticking with his commitment after Hartline left for USF, that could speak volumes to McFarland and his mindset.
Making it clear he’s ready to visit schools, programs such as Georgia, LSU, Oregon, and Texas A&M are also heavily in consideration here. With how many solid options Ohio State will to replace Hartline and with the amount of talent they have on their roster, one would believe this position group will not only be just fine, but continue appealing to top players at the spot such as McFarland.
Transfer portal season is nearly here
Portal season is nearly here, and already several players from around the college football landscape have made it clear they are looking for a new home in 2026. Ohio State like everyone else is sure to see players look for better fits, and while the Buckeyes have made it through the last couple of seasons of not losing key contributors, following this season there’s sure to be some turnover.
That goes both ways for the program. A loss or two is and should be expected, but Ohio State has been among the best in the country at adding elite talent to their roster in key positions, and it won’t be a surprise to see them at it again after the college football playoff.
Already seeing names Ohio State is rumored to be interested in, it was all over social media on Wednesday that Florida running back Jadan Baugh would be a major target if he were to enter the transfer portal.
A Georgia native and a three-star athlete out of his school, Baugh had an incredible season for the Gators as a sophomore totaling nearly 1200 yards on 220 carries with eight touchdowns. A workhorse of a player, Florida has dealt with their fair share of adversity this season, so the rumor mill buzzing around their top players makes sense.
Bo Jackson as a freshman did a fantastic job for the Buckeyes thus far, but as we have seen in Columbus recently, Ohio State is all for having two premier backs to run the show and take the load off of each other. The current stable has plenty of talent, but the staff is always looking for ways to improve the roster, and Baugh would fit that mold and then some.
Texas is another school that immediately garners a ton of attention, but before any of this can really be talked about, Baugh would need to be in the portal. Ohio State will always keep their sights on the top players available, and if he does in fact look for a new place to compete, surely Carlos Locklyn and company will be in the mix.
Quick Hits
Ohio State couldn’t have finished much better in their 2026 class than the way it has recently unfolded. Onto 2027, the Buckeyes are looking for their next addition and four-star tight end Brock Williams is reportedly still looking to make a decision this winter.
The No. 52 player nationally and the second best tight-end in the 2027 class per the 247Sports Composite, the Illinois native is down to Georgia, Ohio State, and Texas as his finalists. Position coach Keenan Bailey all over this recruitment, the Buckeyes will continue to push as hard as possible here for one of the better players the class has to offer, and using the closer to home pitch certainly won’t hurt.
A decision potentially coming soon, this is one recruitment paying very close attention to.
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