It’s true that a single social media post can flip the script for a program. Recruiting is a noisy world filled with rankings, flips, and last-second chaos, but every now and then, there’s a name so elite that all the chatter melts away. This time, the name again is Devin Sanchez. A 6-foot-2 cornerback with the kind of swagger only a future Buckeye could wear so well, the North Shore Mustangs High School’s kid for whom even five stars are less has officially staked his claim.

When On3 Recruits crowned the No. 7 ranked player in the nation as the undisputed, No. 1 cornerback in the 2025 class, Devin Sanchez didn’t let the moment pass quietly. The North Shore’s standout reposted the list to his Instagram story with just three simple but powerful words: “Let’s get busy 🤝.” That’s the kind of confidence that has Ohio State fans grinning ear to ear. At just 17, the Houston native isn’t just the top cornerback—he’s the type of player you build entire classes around.

It’s not just hype; the 5-Star+ elite is a game-changer. The kid plays with the natural instincts of a veteran NFL DB. He’s long, fluid, and physical. At 6-2 and 180 pounds, Sanchez has the prototypical size to match up against the nation’s best receivers, but it’s his football IQ and pedigree that set him apart. Football runs in his veins. Both of his parents were college athletes, and his brother suited up on the gridiron, too. His mother, Deetra, was a 200- and 400-meter sprinter at UTEP. His father, Daniel Sanchez, played football at UTEP and still coaches high school football in the Houston area. “It’s been a part of me since I was little,” the No. 1 in his position said about his athletic roots. His parents never forced football on him, but when you’re this dominant, sometimes the game picks you.

Even Ryan Day and the Buckeyes’ staff know they’ve landed something special. With Sanchez leading the charge, the defensive back room in Columbus looks set to be an impenetrable fortress for years to come. It’s even sweeter for Ohio State fans when you realize that former 5-star+ target Na’eem Offord, who shook things up by ditching OSU on signing day, sits at No. 3 behind Sanchez. Not that Devin needs that chip on his shoulder, but let’s be honest—this kind of stuff fuels the fire.

The scouting reports all agree: Sanchez is a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. His size allows him to press at the line, his speed gives him the ability to shadow receivers step for step downfield. And while North Shore fell to Westlake 35-10 in the Texas Class 6A semifinals, the Mustangs’ undeniable physical dominance was still clear. It was a minor setback in a career that feels destined for greatness. If there’s one thing we know about elite corners, it’s that they remember every single game that didn’t go their way.

Texas Speedster with Championship Pedigree, why Devin Sanchez is No. 1

For Devin Sanchez, elite athleticism isn’t just a skill—it’s in his DNA. Clearly, sports are the family business, as we just heard about his parents and Devin is just taking it to another level.

Devin Sanchez didn’t just inherit his mom’s speed—he’s putting it to work. With a personal-best 10.8-second 100-meter dash, he’s already one of the fastest athletes in Texas. He also anchors North Shore’s dominant 4×100, 4×200, and 4×400 relay teams, helping the latter two charge all the way to regional finals. But for the Sanchez family, it’s about more than just speed or trophies. “Education is really important to us,” Daniel Sanchez told in an interview to Our Esquina. “Sports can open doors, and we push that hard.”

Sanchez first turned heads as a freshman at Texas powerhouse North Shore High School, earning valuable playing time during their 2021 state championship run. By his sophomore year, he was a full-on star, collecting “all-everything” honors while leading North Shore back to the title game. “Not many sophomores start varsity here in Texas,” Sanchez told Vype. “Texas football is the best in the country.” Which clearly is the reason why he is the No. 1 in his class now.