Ohio State is a massive underdog in the race for 5-star lineman Oluwasemilore Olubobola. The Aggies have a 92.9% chance of getting his commitment, per Rivals RPM (Recruiting Prediction Machine). However, the Buckeyes have received a big update on their target following his latest  announcement for a visit to Columbus.

“April 4,” said Olubobola to Lettermen Row, referring to his visit to the Buckeyes. “I’m looking forward to meeting the staff in person and getting a feel for the culture that comes with the staff.”

But this is not Olubobola’s first unofficial visit to Columbus. Before that, in November 2024, he went there during the OSU vs. Michigan rivalry game. Now with the return of the top lineman from Jersey City St. Peter’s Prep, Ryan Day’s OSU gets a solid chance to impress him. If that happens, the 2027 5-star OL will join a loaded class of offensive linemen.

A commitment from Olubobola would be the crown jewel of an already impressive 2027 offensive line class for the Buckeyes, which includes 4-stars Brody McNeel and Kellen Wymer. The 5.0-second 40-yard dash speed that made Olubobola a top-40 national prospect is exactly the kind of elite trait Ohio State is looking to add.

At Ohio State, Olubobola will join a program with a reputation as an “O-line University.” Just last year, two Buckeyes OL were drafted in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Vikings picked OG Donovan Jackson with their 24th pick, while the Chiefs selected OT Josh Simmons with their 32nd overall pick. In 2023, three Buckeye OL were drafted, a trend that has continued over the last several decades.

However, getting the 6-foot-6, 270-pound lineman won’t be easy for OSU, as Texas A&M’s push is strong as well. His visit to College Station left the 5-star OL impressed. To him, Mike Elko is a “leader of young men,” and the atmosphere of Texas A&M is “electric” and like a “big-time atmosphere.” Moreover, Olubobola expressed appreciation for the coaches and fans, saying they are “all bought in.”

Olubobola is a consensus top 10 player at his position group and has drawn the attention of dozens of Division I schools. The will-be senior, originally from New Jersey, is currently looking to slim his list of offers down to a top 5. Based on his junior tape, he looks like an elite pass protector with good footwork and an ability to lead the rushing attack.

Matt Rhule and the Cornhuskers are also in the mix. Offensive line-focused assistant coaches Geep Wade and Lonnie Teasley are leaving no stone unturned to try and get Olubobola to choose Nebraska as his new home. He has already made plans to travel to Lincoln for the Spring Game.

Former offensive line coach Donovan Raiola offered Olubobola to come sign with them all the way back in October of last year. Now, the new run game coordinator Lonnie Teasley has the reins. Even Teasley, when he was coaching at South Carolina offered Olubobola to sign up in May of 2025. That history can come as a difference maker at the end.

Olubobola’s previously visited their campus during the USC game. But that cannot be counted as the coaching changes afterwards would have shaken up any old rapport built with him.

Despite the Aggies holding the edge, this recruitment race is still wide open, and a spring visit could help this OL talent decide. But the Buckeyes aren’t just competing with the Aggies and the Huskers. Other powerhouses are making a strong push for the five-star tackle, with Florida emerging as a legitimate threat.

Winning this race will be tough for OSU

Although Ryan Day’s OSU has a chance to land this 5-star 2027 OL, his daily communication with the Gators could be a difference maker. Especially his connection with Florida’s OL coach Phil Trautwein.

“Communication has been good and I like them a lot. Florida is recruiting me heavy and I’m in constant communication with coach Trautwein every day,” said Olu Olubobola. “What sticks out would be him developing me into the best tackle I could be,” Olubobola said. “He’s a very real guy and keeps it real with you. He doesn’t lie to you and is very honest.”

Olubobola shared an old connection with the OL coach, as he was in touch with him during his Penn State days. More importantly, Jon Sumrall’s arrival makes the Gators stand strong for him.

“We talk about once every other week,” said Olubobola. “It feels pretty good. He’s very excited and you can tell he really loves the job. He can’t wait to start making an impact and winning.”

Consistent communication with both the position coach and the head coach has positioned Florida as a serious contender in his recruitment. Even the 5-star OL confirmed that.

“I’m definitely going to come back for a spring visit, and then I’m going to schedule an OV,” said Olubobola.

Besides the Gators, Miami is also eyeing this OL talent, and their 2025 national title runner-up finish could give them an edge. To overcome the ground made by Texas A&M and Florida, Ryan Day’s staff will need to leverage Olubobola’s upcoming visit to make a compelling case for why Columbus is the best place for his development.

For the month of March, Olubobola will visit Washington Huskies on the 7th, Jon Sumrall’s Gators on the 14th, Matt Rhule’s Nebraska on the 28th and closing off the month with a visit to Bill Belichick at Chapel Hill on the 31st.

Then comes the month of April with more visits, such as Ann Arbor on the 2nd, Ohio State on the 4th, Georgia Tech on the 7th, and Vanderbilt on the 9th. He also plans to visit Matt Campbell at Happy Valley, but the dates are still being finalized.