Recruiting Assessment After An Up-and-Down Month and Preseason Camp Preview

Ohio State’s current football players are about to return to the practice field while there’s been no shortage of happenings – both good and bad – impacting the Buckeyes on the recruiting trail over the past month.With all of that to talk about as well as a new wave of conference realignment starting, Garrick Hodge returns to Real Pod Wednesdays this week for a discussion on what’s gone well and what hasn’t for Ohio State recruiting in recent weeks, the biggest storylines entering preseason camp and the rumors of potential further expansion for the Big Ten.A full rundown of what we’re talking about this week:1:57: Chris Henry Jr. isn’t even a high school sophomore yet, but he’s a safe bet to be an elite prospect5:37: Ohio State secures a crucial recruiting win over Michigan by sealing the deal with Aaron Scott Jr.11:35: Eddrick Houston becomes a must-get at DE with Dylan Stewart’s commitment to South Carolina15:47: Jontae Gilbert’s decommitment is why it’s hard to get too excited about an early commitment19:14: Ohio State isn’t out of the race for KJ Bolden, but we’d bet on the field over OSU20:57: Buckeyes may need to expand DE board or hit the portal next year even if they land Houston24:55: Nigel Glover is another example of Ohio State using transfer portal more heavily in recruiting27:12: Assessing the state of Ohio State’s 2024 recruiting class after an up-and-down month32:28: Ranking OSU’s likelihood of landing Houston, Brandon Baker, Jeremiah McClellan and Bolden35:26: Offensive line remains the biggest question mark entering preseason camp38:11: Starting cornerback job opposite Denzel Burke another big position battle to watch40:27: Where Sonny Styles will line up remains a major point of intrigue as camp begins42:18: Josh Proctor, Cam Martinez ended spring as starters; Styles, Ja’Had Carter could change that45:16: Josh Fryar, Carson Hinzman and Josh Simmons are frontrunners to start, but none are locks48:56: Kyle McCord is the favorite to start at quarterback, but he still has to win the job in camp51:04: Why Dan is “cautiously optimistic” about Ohio State having an elite defense this year55:47: Washington and Oregon need the Big Ten more than the B1G needs Washington and Oregon1:01:35: Florida State and Clemson are bigger targets for Big Ten, but they have more hurdles to clear(Note: This episode of Real Pod Wednesdays was recorded before Nigel Glover announced his commitment to Ohio State on Tuesday.)