The Ohio State Buckeyes are keeping the recruiting engine revving, and there's plenty of buzz coming out of Columbus. Hot off an NFL Draft that saw two of their tight ends get selected, position coach Keenan Bailey is making a powerful pitch to the next generation of stars. The message is clear: if you want to develop for the pros, Ohio State is the place to be.

With the Buckeyes looking to reload their tight end room, all eyes are on a new name that just entered the mix. Coach Bailey made a key stop in Illinois this week to check out Glenbard West's Brady Johnson. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, this three-star athlete might not be the highest-ranked recruit on paper—he's currently the No. 1,252 player nationally and the 64th-best tight end in the 2027 class—but his talent is undeniable.

After an impressive in-person workout and a home visit, Bailey saw enough to pull the trigger on an offer. Johnson already holds a commitment to Northwestern since February, but the excitement he showed for this Buckeyes offer tells a different story. Ohio State has a real shot at flipping his commitment if they keep up the pressure.

This late in the cycle, new offers are a rare sight, making this one to watch closely. The Buckeyes are officially in the fold, and with their track record of developing tight ends, don't be surprised if Johnson rethinks his future.

But the recruiting trail didn't stop in Illinois. Ohio State was also active in Pennsylvania, with wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton looking to tap into a state that has been generous to the Buckeyes over the years. The hunt for the next great playmaker is on, and the Buckeyes are leaving no stone unturned.