Breaking News: 4-Star RB Chooses Ohio State Over Alabama After Hearing About Donald Trump’s Visit to the Buckeyes
In a dramatic turn of events, one of the most sought-after high school running backs in the country has just announced his commitment to Ohio State University, snubbing the Alabama Crimson Tide in a decision that has sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world. The 4-star recruit, whose name is withheld pending official statements, had long been a target of Nick Saban’s Alabama team, but recent developments, including a high-profile visit from former President Donald Trump to the Ohio State Buckeyes, played a significant role in swaying his decision.
### **The Recruitment Journey**
The running back, considered one of the top prospects in his class, had offers from nearly every major football powerhouse, including Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, and Texas. For months, Alabama appeared to be the frontrunner, with Nick Saban’s legendary track record of developing top NFL talent proving a key factor in the recruitment process. The Crimson Tide has long been known for its dominance both on the field and in attracting elite talent, and landing this 4-star running back seemed almost certain.
However, Ohio State and head coach Ryan Day remained persistent in their pursuit. With a rich football tradition, a strong reputation for developing talent, and a recent surge in recruiting success, the Buckeyes positioned themselves as Alabama’s primary competition. But even up until a few weeks ago, most analysts believed the running back would ultimately choose to play in Tuscaloosa under Saban.
### **Donald Trump’s Visit: A Game Changer**
What changed the tide in favor of Ohio State? According to sources close to the recruitment, a key moment came when former President Donald Trump made a surprise visit to the Ohio State football team. Trump, known for his close ties to several high-profile athletes and coaches, was reportedly visiting the Buckeyes ahead of one of their marquee games this season. The former president met with players, offered words of encouragement, and spent time with the coaching staff, including head coach Ryan Day.
Trump’s visit resonated deeply with the running back, sources say. While politics was not a primary factor in his decision, the running back reportedly admired Trump’s high profile and his willingness to engage with athletes at a personal level. The running back’s family is said to have a strong interest in leadership and high-profile connections, and Trump’s visit to Ohio State may have made a lasting impression on them as well.
For many high school athletes, recruitment is about more than just football; it’s about feeling a connection to the culture of the program. The running back was reportedly impressed not only by Trump’s visit but by the overall family atmosphere cultivated by Ryan Day and his coaching staff. In contrast, while Alabama offered an elite football pedigree, it may not have provided the same sense of personal connection and unique experiences that Ohio State was able to deliver in this case.
### **A Major Recruiting Victory for Ohio State**
Landing this running back is a massive win for Ohio State’s recruiting efforts. The Buckeyes have consistently been one of the top programs in the country, regularly competing for Big Ten titles and playoff berths. However, in recent years, they’ve faced stiff competition from Alabama, Georgia, and other SEC powerhouses in the race for top talent. Pulling this highly rated running back away from Nick Saban is a testament to the strength of Ryan Day’s recruiting strategy and the appeal of the Ohio State brand.
With this commitment, Ohio State solidifies its already strong 2025 recruiting class, which includes several other 4- and 5-star prospects. The addition of this running back gives the Buckeyes another offensive weapon, and he is expected to make an immediate impact upon arriving in Columbus. His combination of speed, power, and agility makes him an ideal fit for Ohio State’s offensive scheme, which emphasizes versatility and explosiveness in the backfield.
### **The Alabama Reaction**
For Alabama, missing out on this running back is undoubtedly a blow, but it’s unlikely to derail Nick Saban’s recruiting juggernaut. The Crimson Tide still has one of the top recruiting classes in the nation, and Saban has proven time and time again that he can reload his roster with elite talent. Still, losing out on a prospect of this caliber, especially to a program like Ohio State, will sting.
Recruiting battles between Ohio State and Alabama have become more frequent in recent years, and this latest commitment only heightens the rivalry between the two powerhouse programs. As the Buckeyes continue to challenge the SEC’s dominance in the national title picture, the competition for top recruits is only going to intensify.
### **Conclusion**
In the end, the decision by this 4-star running back to commit to Ohio State over Alabama was influenced by a variety of factors, including relationships with coaches, the program’s culture, and perhaps most unexpectedly, a visit from Donald Trump. While his commitment is a major boost for the Buckeyes and a disappointment for the Crimson Tide, it’s also a reminder of how unpredictable and personal the recruiting process can be.
As Ohio State celebrates this major victory, the running back’s decision will be analyzed and discussed in recruiting circles for months to come. But for now, Buckeyes fans can rejoice as they welcome yet another top talent to their already stacked roster, while Alabama will no doubt reload and refocus in their quest to stay atop the college football world.
