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Ohio State Football: Buckeyes announce 2016 recruiting class

By Dustin Hull

Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer walks off the field after the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Ohio State won 42-13. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer walks off the field after the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Ohio State won 42-13. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Ohio State Buckeyes may have come up just short in their effort to return to the College Football Playoff, but their recruiting class could exceed all expectations.

Despite losing many starters from their 2015 Ohio State football team to the NFL draft, including defensive end Joey Bosa and running back Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State has restocked in a way only the greats can. And after compiling a top-10 group in 2015, the Ohio State 2016 recruiting class is an even stronger one.

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The Buckeyes have two incredible defensive ends, Nick Bosa (Joey’s brother) and Jonathan Cooper, highlighting what is currently the No. 2 class in the nation. Bosa is the No. 2 defensive end in the country, and Cooper another five-star end who will play opposite of Bosa on the weak-side.

Neither are guaranteed much playing time right off the bat, especially since Bosa is recovering from ACL surgery, but both are extremely versatile and could fit anywhere on the line.

The offense also has its share of impact players for the next few years.

Dwayne Haskins’ flip from Maryland to Ohio State assures the Buckeyes of a quarterback with top-tier potential when J.T. Barrett graduates. Haskins will have quite a target to throw to in No. 3 WR Austin Mack, who should work his way to getting plenty of first-team snaps in a young assembly of receivers. To add flexibility to the offense, Ohio’s No. 3 ranked prospect Demario McCall will supply the future at the running back position.

Ohio State is only sitting behind one team, LSU, with signing day arriving on Wednesday. While they’d love to grab the best class in the nation, they will also have arch-rival Michigan to worry about. The Wolverines and Jim Harbaugh are finishing out strong with their own class and are slotted right behind the Buckeyes.

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But despite the rise of Harbaugh, and the success over the past few years by Michigan State, Urban Meyer and Ohio State have continued to own the recruiting trail.

Will the Ohio State recruiting class be what Urban Meyer needs to bring another national championship to the Buckeyes?

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