Intel, notes on Ohio State official visitors for June 16-18

COLUMBUS — Ohio State welcomes another batch of talented prospects onto campus this weekend.

The Buckeyes have 10 official visitors heading to campus this weekend with a number of five-star prospects on the way.

Lettermen Row shares some notes and intel about each prospect heading to the capital city this weekend.

Let’s dive in, starting with the lone commit heading home.

QB Air Noland (commit)

Four-star Fairburn (Ga) Langston Hughes quarterback Air Noland has changed the date a few times, but this weekend was the one that stuck.

The No. 4 quarterback and No. 42 overall prospect according to On3 has spent the last few days competing in the Elite 11 Finals. Noland performed well and certainly bumped his stock in the rankings.

He is tightly locked in with Ohio State and has been an active peer recruiter for the Buckeyes, namely for offensive tackle Brandon Baker and cornerback Bryce West.

Noland will get a chance to recruit plenty this weekend with a loaded defensive guest list on tap, and elite offensive tackle Guerby Lambert.

SAF KJ Bolden

Five-star Buford (Ga) safety KJ Bolden makes his long-anticipated return to campus this weekend for a critical official visit.

Bolden, the cousin of Ohio State safety coach Perry Eliano, has made officials to Clemson and Georgia already. He raved about both experiences and there was some intel that Georgia was pushing for a commitment, but Bolden is being true to the remaining visits.

Ohio State should be viewed as a serious contender for his pledge, and this weekend could boost its stock.

EDGE Dylan Stewart

Five-star Washington D.C. Friendship Collegiate Academy EDGE Dylan Stewart returns to Ohio State for the second time in 2023.

The No. 1 EDGE and No. 1 overall prospect loved his visit back in March — so much that On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons placed a prediction on the Buckeyes to land him.

While that love might have faded some over the months, the Buckeyes are in this but aren’t the team to beat. South Carolina, Georgia and Miami all are near the top for Stewart.

Defensive line coach Larry Johnson will have to pull out all the stops this weekend.

DL Eddrick Houston

Five-star Buford (Ga) defensive lineman Eddrick Houston might be the most interesting prospect heading to Columbus this weekend.

The No. 4 defensive lineman and No. 20 overall prospect in the On3 Industry Rankings has been heavily linked to Ohio State in recent days. Houston loves the pitch that Johnson, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and head coach Ryan Day have developed.

His relationship with Johnson especially has driven this recruitment in the Buckeyes’ favor. Houston has a commitment date set for Aug. 22.

CB Kobe Black

Five-star Connally (Texas) cornerback Kobe Black returns to Ohio State for just the second time in his recruitment.

This is a big visit for the Buckeyes. Even though they are trending in the right direction for in-state targets Aaron Scott Jr. and Bryce West, they will recruit as if they will not win those battles.

Black has built up a great relationship with cornerbacks coach Tim Walton, and this weekend is an opportunity to expand upon that. It also gives him a chance to connect with defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and head coach Ryan Day.

The post Intel, notes on Ohio State official visitors for June 16-18 appeared first on On3.