FryingPanSports

Epi Sitanilei’s Commitment Bolsters Ohio State on National Signing Day

December 4, 2024 by Steven R

Ohio State secured one of the biggest commitments of the day in four-star edge rusher Epi Sitanilei. A one-time commitment to UCLA, Sitanilei made a late decision to flip his pledge following a successful visit to Ohio State. The commitment brings in one of the bigger pieces for Ohio State’s 2025 class on the defensive side of the ball.

Flipped From UCLA

Sitanilei, a high school standout defensive end for Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco had been an early commitment for UCLA, which he announced on June. However, last weekend after an official visit to Ohio State, Sitnilei made some change to his mind in changing his commitment to Ohio State. While Sitanilei figures as an important talent add and a future asset for the Ohio State team’s defensive strategic formations.

Larry Johnson pulls off a last-minute win

It is within this context that Ohio State’s defensive line coach, Larry Johnson, became the biggest reason behind Sitanilei’s commitment. Having been credited with molding some of the best defensive talents in the land, Johnson worked his magic once again, this late flip potentially changing the Buckeyes’ defensive trajectory for years to come.

Epi Sitanilei’s commitment to … Read more at FryingPanSports

Corbyn Fordham Commits to Ohio State for 2026

December 1, 2024 by Steven R

On Thanksgiving Day, four-star tight end Corbyn Fordham committed to Ohio State, providing the Buckeyes with their first tight end pledge in the 2026 class.

Big Add-On for the Buckeyes

The newest addition to the Ohio State roster is Florida native Corbyn Fordham. Ranked as the No. 323 player nationally and the 15th best tight end in his class according to the 247Sports Composite, the commitment of Fordham is a big one for the Buckeyes.

Elite Recruiting by Coach Keenan Bailey

Keenan Bailey, Ohio State’s tight ends coach continues to amaze with his abilities on the recruiting trail. After accepting the position of full-time coach Bailey still achieved his ultimate goal. And Fordham’s commitment is the latest example of his recruiting prowess.

A Monumental Announcement

Fordham made his announcement on social media Thursday afternoon. Though he was in Tallahassee in October to watch FSU’s loss to Clemson, and has taken three visits to the campus in the last year, Fordham chose Ohio State-a reflection of how strong the Buckeyes were.

Adding Fordham to the Buckeyes is a great move on the team’s part. Indeed, he will make great contributions on the field with his … Read more at FryingPanSports

Caleb Downs And His Key Play Against Indiana

November 24, 2024 by Steven R

Safety Caleb Downs, one of the more hyped defensive backs in college football this year and his transfer from Alabama to Ohio State, is among the top story-lines going into the 2024 season. That transfer should do much in helping the Buckeyes win a national championship this season if they can win out the rest of the schedule.

Early Life and Recruitment

Downs grew up in Georgia and quickly emerged as a football phenom at Mill Creek High School. With his versatility, speed, and high football IQ, he was eventually rated a five-star recruit with offers from Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State being three of the top suitors. Downs committed to Alabama in 2023 and immediately had a great freshman season, solidifying his standing as one of the best safeties in the nation.

Why Ohio State?

After one successful season with Alabama, Downs entered the transfer portal. His decision to join Ohio State was influenced by the strong defensive system at Ohio State and his desire to play a crucial role in its championship aspirations. “The culture and tradition here at Ohio State are unmatched,” Downs said when announcing his transfer. “I’m looking forward to being able … Read more at FryingPanSports

Football in a Cathedral of Baseball: Ohio State and Carnell Tate Dazzles at Wrigley Field

November 18, 2024 by Steven R

It was an out-of-the-box, yet intriguing environment where the Ohio State Buckeyes and Carnell Tate met the Northwestern Wildcats at historic Wrigley Field in Chicago. More often referred to for its ivy-covered outfield walls and storied baseball history, home to the Chicago Cubs, it played host to Ohio State as the Buckeyes dominated, 31-7. One of the many headlines from this outing was Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate’s brilliance in front of his hometown crowd.

The Wrigley Field Experience

Wrigley Field does not hold many football games. With Northwestern’s Ryan Field presently undergoing renovation, playing this match in this historic ballpark made it an even more intriguing scenario. Sure, the field had held football games there before, and its overall tight dimensions, combined with the notoriously gusty November weather in the city, made it very much a peculiar challenge to players and coaches alike. For Ohio State, however, the conditions seemed only to heighten their level of focus.

The stands were full of fans, for many a novelty in football under the famous Wrigley marquee. Big Ten football combined with Major League Baseball air. Players from both sides mentioned the surreal feeling of competing in such … Read more at FryingPanSports

Bruce Thornton’s Rise to NCAA Stardom: Ohio State’s Emerging Leader in 2024

November 13, 2024 by Steven R

The Evolution of Bruce Thornton: From Freshman to Sophomore Leader

Bruce Thornton’s journey from a promising freshman to a powerhouse point guard at Ohio State reflects his drive and ambition. Now a sophomore, Thornton has embraced a leadership role that has helped shape Ohio State’s early success in the 2024-25 season. His transformation has been fueled by offseason preparation and a mindset focused on resilience and growth—a shift clearly on display in the season opener.

First Game Performance: Thornton’s 20 Points Set the Tone

Opening the Buckeyes’ season against No. 19 Texas, Thornton led his team with 20 points, including two key baskets in the final minutes, to seal an 80-72 victory for Ohio State. Thornton’s execution down the stretch proved critical to Ohio State’s win, as he had cool performances at the foul line and smart ball-handling. Coach Jake Diebler said Thornton’s poise in big moments could make him an anchor on a team with very high aspirations this year.

Confidence and Self-Belief: Thornton’s Declaration as One of the Best

That confidence has now contaminated Thornton, in that his personal confidence has translated into driving factors in terms of his success. He came into the … Read more at FryingPanSports

TreVeyon Henderson: Milestone Achieved in Ohio State’s Victory Over Purdue

November 10, 2024 by Steven R

In their blowout win over Purdue, 45-0, Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson reached a huge milestone in his career on Saturday. It was one that cemented him within the lore that is Ohio State, showing just how talented and dedicated the athlete is.

Breaking Records

Henderson tallied 85 yards on only six carries against Purdue, which gave him enough to eclipse Ohio State legends J.T. Barrett and Braxton Miller’s all-time rushing yard total. It brought his career total to 3,333 rushing yards-a legacy which can be said to cement him as one of the best running backs in Ohio State’s storied history.

The Game Performance

During Ohio State’s game against Purdue, Henderson proved to be a crucial element in their attack. Here’s the highlight of his game:

Rushing Yards: 85 on six carries, at an average of 14.2 yards per carry.

Touchdown Runs: Henderson found his way to the end zone a number of times during the match as he busted through several lines of defense to add vital points.

Key Plays: His runs included several long gains that shifted the momentum in Ohio State’s favor and kept the Boilermakers’ defense on its heels.… Read more at FryingPanSports