Ohio State trending for elite 2025 safety Faheem Delane

Ohio State’s momentum on the recruiting trail is palpable right now, and it’s only growing bigger. The Buckeyes already have the No. 2 class in the early On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings after landing not one, but two five-star defensive backs over the past two months.

Ryan Day and Co. now have commitments from the nation’s No. 1 and No. 2 cornerback recruits, and they’re looking to add an elite safety to the mix as well.

Many top-notch programs are vying for a commitment from Olney (Md.) Good Counsel four-star safety Faheem Delane, but it’s the Buckeyes trending in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM).

Alabama, LSU, Ohio State, Tennessee and Virginia Tech each made Delane’s top five on Dec. 13. And while he hasn’t given any timeline for a commitment, Delane does know what he prioritizes in a program.

“These are definitely schools that offer me the opportunity to play early and definitely will give me the opportunity to develop,” he told On3.

Buckeyes’ production of elite defensive backs is key

Delane has been to Columbus on nearly a half-dozen occasions and has connected with Ohio State’s new defensive coaching staff, led by Jim Knowles.

“They have an impressive defensive back history and they run a safety-driven defense with three safeties on the field at all times,” he told On3’s Chad Simmons in December. “That provides an opportunity to play and with coach (Jim) Knowles coming from Oklahoma State, they had a great defense over there and this year, Ohio State had one of the best – if not the best – defense. They definitely have something going on for them on the defensive side of the football.”

The Buckeyes replaced safeties coach Perry Eliano this offseason, but that doesn’t look to be slowing things down with Delane, who has talked about the Buckeyes and Oregon being his top two schools right now.

Texas is another program who didn’t make Delane’s top five that has made a strong impression on him.

“Texas has definitely moved up my list,” he told Simmons last month. “Texas is big on football and I want to see it. I want to get down there, see how the people are and just see what it is like.”

The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder is the No. 26 overall prospect and No. 2 safety in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the top-ranked player in Maryland.

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