Breaking..In a significant development for Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class, five-star cornerback Na’eem Offord has committed to the Buckeyes, choosing them over prominent programs such as… see more 👇👇Na’eem Offord Commits to Ohio State: Buckeyes Land Five-Star Cornerback in Major 2025 Recruiting Victory
Columbus, OH — In a major win for Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes, five-star cornerback Na’eem Offord has officially committed to the program, delivering a significant boost to the 2025 recruiting class. The announcement, which broke earlier today, marks one of the most important recruiting victories for the Buckeyes this cycle, as Offord chose Ohio State over a host of other powerhouse programs including Alabama, Georgia, and LSU.
Offord, widely regarded as one of the premier defensive backs in the 2025 class, hails from Birmingham, Alabama, and has been a standout at Parker High School. At 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, he brings a rare combination of size, speed, and football IQ that has made him a top target for elite programs across the country. According to 247Sports Composite rankings, Offord is ranked as the No. 1 cornerback in the nation and a top-10 overall player, underscoring the magnitude of his commitment.
Ohio State’s ability to secure a player of Offord’s caliber is a testament to the sustained recruiting excellence of the Buckeye program under head coach Ryan Day and cornerbacks coach Tim Walton. The Buckeyes have made secondary play a point of emphasis in recent years, and this addition further solidifies their reputation as a destination for elite defensive backs.
“I’ve built a strong relationship with the coaching staff at Ohio State, especially Coach Walton,” Offord said during his commitment announcement. “They have a history of developing corners and sending them to the NFL. I believe in what they’re building, and I want to be a part of that.”
The decision did not come easily for Offord, who has been courted by nearly every major program in the country. Alabama and Georgia were long considered frontrunners given their proximity and defensive pedigrees, while LSU made a late push. But Ohio State’s consistency in recruiting, as well as its track record of producing NFL-caliber defensive backs such as Marshon Lattimore, Denzel Ward, Jeff Okudah, and most recently, Denzel Burke, helped tilt the scales.
Offord’s commitment is not just a symbolic win — it could also serve as a catalyst for further recruiting momentum. The Buckeyes’ 2025 class already features several highly touted prospects, and adding Offord could encourage other elite players to take a closer look at Columbus. With the early signing period still months away, momentum and perception can play a key role in finalizing commitments from other top-tier recruits.
Recruiting analysts have praised Offord for his lockdown coverage skills, instinctual play, and versatility. He is equally comfortable playing press man or zone coverage, and his long arms and quick reaction time make him a nightmare for opposing receivers. He also brings strong tackling ability and isn’t afraid to get involved in run support, making him a complete cornerback prospect.
“Na’eem is a game-changer,” said 247Sports recruiting analyst Allen Trieu. “He’s the type of player who can shut down one side of the field. He’s physical, smart, and he competes on every snap. Ohio State just got a cornerstone for their secondary.”
Ohio State’s coaching staff has emphasized the importance of reloading the defense after recent challenges, particularly in the secondary. While the team has made strides in 2023 and 2024, adding a player like Offord signals a continued commitment to excellence on the defensive side of the ball.
Offord plans to enroll early at Ohio State, allowing him to participate in spring practices and get a head start on adapting to the college game. That early immersion could be key to seeing the field as a freshman — a realistic possibility given his elite skill set and the Buckeyes’ needs at the position.
As Ohio State looks to build a national championship-caliber roster, the commitment of Na’eem Offord is not only a huge recruiting win but also a sign that the Buckeyes remain among the elite programs in college football. With Offord now in the fold, Ohio State’s 2025 class takes a major leap forward — and fans in Columbus have every reason to be excited about the future of their defense.
