Five-star Phenom Jason Reynolds shocks the college football world. In a jaw-dropping announcement that turned the recruiting world upside down, five-star wide receiver Jason Reynolds committed to Ohio State, turning down longtime favorites Alabama, Florida, and Clemson in a decision that few saw coming.
Reynolds, a standout from Buford High School in Georgia, is one of the top prospects in the 2025 class. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 195 pounds, he is rated as the No. 2 wide receiver and the No. 8 overall player nationally, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. For months, experts had pegged Alabama as the frontrunner, with Florida gaining momentum in recent weeks and Clemson holding steady due to its close ties with Reynolds’ family.
But in the end, it was Ohio State that pulled off the upset.
“The energy I felt from Ohio State was different,” Reynolds said during his live ESPN announcement. “Coach Day and Coach Hartline laid out a vision for my future that really connected with me. I could see myself thriving there—on and off the field.”
This commitment marks a huge recruiting win for head coach Ryan Day and wide receivers coach Brian Hartline. The Buckeyes have developed a reputation for producing elite receivers, with recent stars like Marvin Harrison Jr., Garrett Wilson, and Chris Olave all becoming first-round NFL draft picks. Reynolds could be the next in line for stardom in Columbus.
The fallout from his decision will likely affect recruiting boards across the country. Alabama and Florida, who had prioritized Reynolds as a centerpiece for their 2025 classes, will have to scramble for alternatives. Meanwhile, Ohio State fans are celebrating a major victory that strengthens their already elite recruiting haul.
With Jason Reynolds in the fold, the Buckeyes aren’t just making noise—they’re changing the narrative. This commitment shows that Ohio State can go into SEC territory and steal the spotlight.
