Ryan Day’s Ohio State just wrapped up the 2026 cycle ranked No. 4 nationally, according to 247Sports. Columbus has consistently secured top talent from across the country, and that has only been possible thanks to key behind-the-scenes playmakers. This recent update, however, will sting, as one of OSU’s recruiting geniuses is walking out the door.
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On May 1, Letterman Row confirmed that Ohio State assistant director of recruiting strategy Nick Murphy is leaving the program. You might not have heard his name, but his fingerprints are everywhere. He arrived in 2022 and immediately became part of the Buckeyes’ recruiting backbone. Now, he’s moving on to opportunities outside of college football. While it’s good for him, the timing isn’t ideal for Ryan Day.
Ohio State is set to face one of its most critical stretches of the year in May and June with official visits, camps, and evaluations. This is when relationships either lock in or fall apart. And Nick Murphy was one of the guys making sure they locked in. Spend any time around the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, and you’d see him hosting recruits, connecting with families, and building trust. Just ask incoming RB Favour Akih, who didn’t forget who was there early.
“Coach [Nick] Murphy and coach [Tony] Johnson were on my recruiting trail when I only had a couple offers, and they never stopped ever since then, they’d watch my film and coach me up!” he said. “Having a great support system at Ohio State knowing I’d be taking care is a main focus of me signing.”
NEWS: Ohio State assistant director of recruiting strategy Nick Murphy is leaving the Buckeyes program, multiple sources tell @LettermenRow. Murphy has been at Ohio State since 2022 and was a big part of the recruiting operation. MORE DETAILS: on3.com/teams/ohio-sta…
Before Ohio State, Nick Murphy worked in the front offices of Charlotte, Minnesota, and UCF. Ohio State was a massive career jump, and he thrived during his time at Columbus. He gave Ohio State brilliant classes throughout his tenure, most of them ranked within the Top 5 in the country. It will be tough for Ryan Day to replace him. No doubt they’ll bring in a worthy candidate. Still, staff change is never straightforward, as continuity and relationships matter in recruiting.
How Ohio State fares in recruiting now will be a major test for the program.
Ryan Day says Ohio State isn’t for everyone
Ohio State football is going to see very, very busy weeks ahead for Day and Co. without Nick Murphy in the fold. Summer will be focused on impressing the 2027 and 2028 prospects who will visit Columbus. OSU has 11 commits at the moment, and is hoping to add a lot to this tally after these crucial months in recruitment.
According to Lettermen Row, the next three commitments could come from tight end Sean Currie, defensive lineman Karlos May, and defensive back Deontay Malone.
Currie is a three-star recruit, but the recent successes of TE coach Keenan Bailey might be the key to pulling him towards OSU. The coach saw Max Klare and Will Kacmarek getting drafted within the top three rounds in the NFL. Any TE would want to go to a program that has better access to this pathway. According to Lettermen Row, Curtie is among the top targets for Bailey and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. But they will have to fight with Penn State and Texas A&M, who are also planning to get the TE.
DL Karlos May has scheduled an official visit to Ohio State this June. The Buckeyes are a top favorite for May, who said that only Georgia and Ole Miss are giving them the necessary competition in recruiting him. May was last in Columbus for the Student Appreciation Day.
Malone should be a priority for Ohio State, as it hasn’t been successful in landing the top local defensive backs. It also hasn’t been long since OSU got into the recruiting mix for him, but cornerbacks coach Tim Walton seems to have made a great impression. Malone was in town to attend the spring game as well.
With Nick Murphy gone, these existing relationships have a chance of taking a hit. We will not have to wait and watch if these players eventually sign with the Buckeyes.
