Ohio State recruiting target’s update signals optimism amid Michigan battle
The Ohio State Buckeyes are in the thick of spring practice, which concludes with the April 18 spring game, and the period also marks a crucial stretch for recruiting. With nine commitments in the 2027 class, currently ranked No.3 by 247Sports, Ohio State is actively hosting a mix of official and unofficial visits over the next few months.
In-state standout gives encouraging feedback after Columbus visit
2027 Massillon Washington cornerback Deontay Malone recently completed an unofficial spring visit to Ohio State ahead of his official visit set for May 29. The Buckeyes face competition from the Michigan Wolverines, as well as programs like Pittsburgh and Maryland.
Following his visit, Malone shared via On3’s Allen Trieu:
“Coach Walton is a great guy. I love him. We had a good time and good meetings. I feel like I’d be comfortable around him. He’s like my coach but my best friend at the same time. I got to meet head coach Ryan Day at the end of practice. It was good to talk to him. I felt blessed to talk to him.”
Malone is ranked No.381 nationally and No.23 among athletes in the 247Sports Composite Rankings. The 5-foot-11, 170-pound cornerback has already developed a strong connection with Ohio State cornerbacks coach and co-defensive coordinator Tim Walton. Massillon has historically been a powerhouse in Ohio high school football, producing multiple Buckeyes over the years.
Ohio State offered Malone on January 27, and his official visit could be pivotal. Despite a strong recruiting class, the Buckeyes currently have no committed cornerbacks for 2027, making Malone a key in-state target to bolster the position group.
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