🚨 BUCKEYES STRIKE EARLY IN 2028 CYCLE: FLORIDA STAR RB ELIJAH NEWMAN‑HALL COMMITS TO OHIO STATE, SHOWCASING RYAN DAY’S RELENTLESS LONG‑TERM RECRUITING VISION AND FUTURE‑FIRST APPROACH IN COLUMBUS…

Ohio State has injected high energy into its 2028 recruiting cycle—with perhaps the boldest move of the summer. On Friday, June 13, 2025, Florida standout running back Elijah Newman‑Hall, a Tampa, Fla. sophomore at Blake High School, made headlines by committing to the Buckeyes. His verbal pledge marks the first commitment for the 2028 class, signaling a powerful statement from head coach Ryan Day and his staff: they’re not just building for now, they’re building for tomorrow.

🔥 A SIGNIFICANT EARLY LANDING

Newman‑Hall, standing 6‑feet tall and weighing approximately 205 pounds, turned heads at Ohio State’s one‑day recruiting camp in Columbus—and instantly earned a scholarship offer from running backs coach Carlos Locklyn (elevenwarriors.com, on3.com). According to Eleven Warriors, he “fell in love with the Buckeyes’ campus” during his visit (elevenwarriors.com). That spark led to a swift commitment just days later—cementing his status as Ohio State’s top target in the Class of 2028 (elevenwarriors.com).

On3 Media noted that Locklyn specifically targeted Newman‑Hall and made a strong push for an early pledge (on3.com). Lettermen Row’s Mick Walker confirmed the strategy post‑camp: “He is an incredibly well built… Buckeye fans should familiarize themselves with in 2028” (on3.com).

📊 TALENT PROFILE: EARLY DOMINANCE IN FLORIDA

Even as a freshman, Newman‑Hall made significant waves on both offense and defense. He totaled 829 rushing yards on 80 carries across 10 games—an impressive 10+ yards per tote—with eight touchdowns (elevenwarriors.com). On the defensive side, he contributed 28 tackles, eight sacks, seven QB hits, forced three fumbles, and recovered two (elevenwarriors.com). The two‑way versatility hints at his rare athleticism and high football IQ even in his early teens. Though recruiting boards haven’t yet ranked the 2028 class, all signs point to Newman‑Hall being a future five‑star caliber back (on3.com).

🎯 FITTING INTO COLUMBUS: WHY OHIO STATE?

Ohio State’s success in the current cycle—anchored by Ryan Day’s national championship pedigree and immediate NFL pipeline—raises the stakes for long‑term talent acquisition. The program’s commitment to early identification and relationship building is exemplified by the Newman‑Hall case. The Tampa native visited campus on June 11, 2025, made quick connections with Locklyn, coaches, and the Buckeye family atmosphere, and then promptly locked in his future (elevenwarriors.com).

Crucially, Ohio State’s message was strategic. It wasn’t just the present allure of Columbus or their on‑field performance; it was about being part of a program that plans years ahead. Day’s regime is making deliberate moves to recruit early elite talent—and showing future‑first intent as convincingly as anyone in college football right now.

🌐 COMPETITION REALITIES

Newman‑Hall drew interest from several Power Five programs—namely Miami, Florida State, UCF, Wake Forest, FIU, FAU—as well as mid‑majors (elevenwarriors.com). For Ohio State to lock him down in his sophomore year represents both recruitment prowess and brand strength. The Buckeyes neutralized regional heavyweights by providing a compelling vision: Columbus offers exposure, competition, and legacy.

🔮 WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE 2028 CLASS AND ONWARD

1. Early Class Foundation: Newman‑Hall becomes the cornerstone of OSU’s 2028 class. Committing so early allows the coaching staff to channel resources, host visits, and sustain momentum for similar high‑end recruits.
2. Peer‑Recruiting Impact: As the first pledge, he can help influence classmates and other Tampa/Fla‑area prospects—echoing the dynamic of influential early recruits in prior classes.
3. Depth Building at RB: Tailback is a traditional strength at Ohio State, and adding elite talent early sets up strong positional cycles for both 2026 and 2028.
4. Coaching Validation: Locklyn’s assertive role and Day’s coordinating vision are now validated. It sends a message: Ohio State doesn’t wait to chase talent—they identify and secure it ahead of schedule.

🎙️ QUOTES, REACTIONS & ANALYSIS

• Lettermen Row (Mick Walker):
  

  “Tampa (Fla.) Blake running back Elijah Hall is the top target Ohio State running backs coach Carlos Locklyn in the 2028 class… Buckeye fans should familiarize themselves with him in 2028.” (on3.com)

• PFSN commentary:
  

  “Ohio State is getting a very early jump on its 2028 recruiting class… They pushed for his early pledge—and landed it Friday.” (profootballnetwork.com)

• Recruiting Timeline:
  Newman‑Hall committed on June 13, 2025, just days after a June 11 campus appearance (on3.com).

🧩 RYAN DAY’S LONG‑TERM VISION

Ryan Day’s commitment to future cycles reveals itself in strategies like this. National champions are built through forward‑thinking recruiting, and Ohio State is demonstrating a front‑office mindset equal to any professional franchise. By identifying and courting talent several years out, Day ensures he remains competitive through every pipeline phase.

Their approach in Tampa is textbook:

• Host early camps to showcase facilities and coaches.
• Spotlight talent like Newman‑Hall even before junior year.
• Secure early commitments to set the tone and funnel further recruits.

In this manner, Columbus strengthens not just one class, but the entire trajectory of future Buckeye teams.

📈 LOOKING AHEAD

Expect more early commitments to follow. Ohio State will likely target other premium 2028 prospects at quarterback, linebacker, cornerback, and receiver—accelerating recruitment ahead of traditional timetables. With Newman‑Hall already wearing scarlet and gray, the Buckeyes launch their narrative in the 2028 cycle on a high note.

📝 FINAL TAKE

Elijah Newman‑Hall’s commitment isn’t just a feather in OSU’s cap—it’s a springboard. It aligns with Day’s relentless vision for year‑round dominance, reinforcing that Ohio State isn’t sitting back—they’re charging forward.

• Buckeye fans, welcome to the future first.