The Rose Bowl isn’t just a stage; it’s a symphony, and Ohio State played the opening notes like virtuosos. After a season that saw its share of heartbreak, Ryan Day led Buckeyes roared into Pasadena with something to prove and clobbered a team that had beaten them earlier in the season, Oregon, using a bevvy of explosive plays delivered through their performance. But while the present dazzled on the field, it was a sideline moment before kickoff between their No. 1 CB, Devin Sanchez, and the Bellefontaine High School, five-star Class of 2025 commit that quietly stole the spotlight—a fleeting, three-word gesture that has Columbus buzzing about what’s next.

The North Shore Mustangs, the top-ranked cornerback in the Class of 2025, was soaking it all in. After being freshly assigned his iconic No. 4 Buckeyes jersey, Devin Sanchez couldn’t hide his excitement. He shared a string of Instagram stories as he mingled with other elites of the Ryan Day Bucks army. Among them was another five-star standout, a towering quarterback who already looks the part of a Sunday signal-caller, Tavien St. Clair. Cameras caught the two exchanging a handshake pregame, a moment that quickly made its way across social media.

The post came with a simple observation: “Five-star Sanchez and five-star QB Tavien St. Clair shake hands pregame before the Rose Bowl.” And where someone would’ve thought their egos would clash, Sanchez replied to them with 3-words and said, “Almost our time 🤝.”

That subtle nod to the future highlights more than just chemistry between two elite recruits. It underscores the culture Ryan Day is cultivating in Columbus, where egos take a backseat to the shared goal of greatness. For Devin Sanchez, the transition from high school superstar to Buckeye cornerstone feels inevitable. As the nation’s No. 1 cornerback, his pathway to starting in Ohio State’s secondary is as open as a seam route left uncovered. But even with his pedigree, Sanchez isn’t resting on his laurels. His Instagram story, filled with behind-the-scenes glimpses of the Rose Bowl experience, was as much about team pride as personal ambition.

And then there’s the quarterback. Tavien St. Clair, the 6-foot-3, 225-pound Bellefontaine standout, is everything a Buckeye fan dreams of: cannon-armed, poised under pressure, and laser-focused on the job ahead. Ranked as the No. 3 player nationally by 247Sports, St. Clair has already shown he can deliver in big moments, posting 25 touchdowns to just four interceptions as a sophomore. Although they are chilling on the sidelines as Columbus’ future stars, seeing freshman wideout sensation Jeremiah Smith and NFL-bound QB1 Will Howard wreaking havoc on the Ducks right from the first quarter. He is prepared to engage in a heated competition brewing with freshman Julian Sayin, who is already on the roster.

As for the No, 1 CB in the nation, Devin Sanchez’s way is clear as the undisputed starter in the defense to put a lockdown on receivers. That mindset mirrors Sanchez’s approach. But it also served as a proving ground for the program’s future. Sanchez and St. Clair’s interaction is just a snapshot, but it reflects the broader ethos of Ohio State football: excellence built on relationships, discipline, and an unrelenting drive to be the best.

Ryan Day’s ability to foster that balance is why Ohio State isn’t just a perennial powerhouse—it’s a dynasty in the making.

Devin Sanchez and his friend are already playing it big

When you are the No. 1 in your position in the entire nation and the No. 1 passer in Ohio, the glamor will follow you. Sanchez was the only non-quarterback to make the top 10 in On3’s NIL high school rankings. The NIL value of $539K, which is only on the rise. And Clair, one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the 2025 recruiting class, is gearing up for a big week too. The Bellefontaine phenomenon was an early signing period transfer for the Bucks. But before he takes the field officially as a Buckeye, St. Clair made another major move, signing his first NIL deal with none other than trading card powerhouse Panini America.

This partnership marks a significant milestone for St. Clair, and it’s more than just about the financial perks. The NIL era is all about bridging the gap between athletes and fans, and St. Clair is ready to embrace it. He’s becoming a brand—and he couldn’t be more excited about this new chapter. Compared to Sanchez, his NIL value has yet to hit that peak.

“As I enter the next phase of my football life, I’m excited to partner with a leader in the trading card space like Panini,” St. Clair shared on his social media. For fans, this deal means they’ll get the chance to collect pieces of his journey, literally. With talent like these waiting in the wings, the future in Columbus looks nothing short of spectacular.