Ohio State has secured a spot on the short list for the nation’s top offensive line prospect, even as the program reels from a crushing defeat. The Buckeyes are now in the mix for 2028 five-star offensive tackle Antijuan Wilkes, who released his top eight schools on Monday. This move comes just days after a 41-28 loss to Oregon left the team at 6-3 and sparked loud calls for coaching changes. While the current season stumbles, the future class remains strong, and landing Wilkes would be a massive win for the program.
The coaching staff faces immediate heat for the team’s struggles on the field. Former running back Daniel Herron took to social media to demand that offensive coordinator Arthur Smith be fired. Herron posted a message on X on Monday that read, “Coach Day We Want Arthur Smith Gone By Noon Today!!!” Another former star, Quincy Avery, echoed the sentiment by calling Smith “TRASH!!!” in a separate post. Despite the public outcry, head coach Ryan Day did not name specific targets for removal, though he admitted the entire staff is under review.
A Heavy Hitter in the Recruiting Game
Wilkes stands 6-foot-7 and weighs 280 pounds, making him a physical force that every top program wants. The 2028 Rivals300 says Wilkes ranks among the top OTs / top overall prospects (recently as high as No. 6 overall / No. 1 OT). He’s received more than 40 scholarship offers, but Ohio State made a strong push early by offering him a scholarship this spring and keeping in constant contact with his family. The Buckeyes are one of only eight schools that made the cut, joining heavyweights like Michigan, LSU, and Nebraska. Wilkes has already visited Michigan and Nebraska, but he has not yet set foot in Columbus for a game day visit.
The Battle for a Top Prospect
The race for Wilkes is tight, with his hometown school, Michigan, leading the charge. He lives in Detroit and has made multiple trips to Ann Arbor, giving the Wolverines a clear advantage in proximity. Ohio State has its work cut out to bring him to Ohio Stadium, especially since the program has not yet added an offensive lineman to the 2028 class. The Buckeyes need to schedule a game day visit soon to compete effectively against the home-state favorite. According to a report, coaches maintain regular communication with Wilkes and his family as they work to narrow the distance.
The team’s current roster issues do not seem to be slowing down their recruiting efforts. Ohio State’s 2028 class already sits atop the 247Sports Class Rankings with five verbal commits. Adding Wilkes would solidify the line and provide a foundation for the future, even if the current offense struggles to find its rhythm. The Buckeyes have a chance to land a key piece for the next cycle while dealing with the fallout of a bad loss on Saturday.
Wilkes has yet to make a final decision, but the list of contenders is now set in stone. He has narrowed his options to eight schools, including Ohio State, Michigan, Missouri, Washington, Kentucky, Texas A&M, LSU, and Nebraska.
