1) The Buckeyes and Mission Viejo, California, wide receiver Phillip Bell have long harbored a strong and reciprocal interest in one another. On March 20, 2023, Bell received an early scholarship offer from Ohio State. Bell has to make an announcement now.

Phillip Bell, a four-star wide receiver, will pledge on the 247Sports YouTube channel.

Wide receiver Phillip Bell of Mission Viejo, California, plans to announce his college decision on Saturday via the 247Sports YouTube channel.

On Saturday, August 31 at 7:30 PM (PT)/10:30 PM (ET), Bell is scheduled to make his announcement. You can watch the announcement live right here. Announcement from Phillip Bell

Bell spoke with us earlier this week about what makes his finalists, Ohio State and USC, stand out. Bell has two remaining:

Regarding Ohio State: “I genuinely adore the coaching staff at Ohio State.” Over the past three or four years, Coach (Brian) Hartline has produced many first-round picks at receiver, which is fantastic.

“Ohio State’s quarterback play is consistently excellent, and Ryan Day is a fantastic offensive coordinator. It’s important to me that they will always have a five-star quarterback leading the offense.”

Regarding USC: “You can’t go wrong with Lincoln Riley at USC.” He is a fantastic head coach who prioritizes passing over defense and is offensively inclined. In addition to being an excellent wide receiver coach, Dennis Simmons has produced numerous first-round picks and excels at mentoring young players. There are many things to like about both programs, and USC has demonstrated that they will play young receivers and integrate them into the offense right immediately.”

Bell, one of the best wide receiver recruits in the country, is presently ranked No. 235 overall by Top247. He is ranked No. 184 in the nation in the 247Sports Composite, which is produced by the industry.

After a terrific season at Sacramento (Calif.) Christian Brothers, the guy who has been on our radar since he was a freshman was already receiving national scholarship offers.

After finishing his rookie season with 56 receptions for 1,002 yards and 12 touchdowns, he went on to finish his second campaign with 73 receptions for 818 yards and 20 more touchdowns.

Prior to his junior year, he transferred to Mission Viejo, California, where he caught 56 receptions for 644 yards and seven touchdowns, helping the Diablos win both the Division 2 and CIF State Titles. With three touchdown receptions in his first two games this season, he’s off to a great start and appears to be primed for a big senior season.

Bell possesses good hands and the ability to go up and win 50-50 balls, making him one of the class’s more natural pass catchers. He has a mature approach to his route running and off-field preparation, and he sprints effectively after the catch.