Ohio State’s recruiting game continues to scale up as a five-star cornerback, Na’eem Offord verbally pledged to make a part of the team’s star-studded 2025 dynasty back in February. However, despite sticking by the commitment, the Parker High School alumna is doing something weird. He keeps visiting the schools and garnering attention from several lucrative programs like Auburn, Oregon, and Alabama.

While the Ducks have been the most desperate in their attempt to chip away at the Buckeyes with Offord, they had their brownie point, picking up an impressive week 7 win against Ohio State with the potential flip on the attendance. Another pain in the neck for Ryan Day? The 6-foot-1 prospect ditched his scheduled visit with the program last weekend. Will he be back for another anytime soon?

Officially, Offord is free to explore as many options as he wants before the paper signing. At such a point in time, tracking his every move becomes of supreme importance for the program he is already half-committed and for the program having a strong eye on him. Your natural negative instinct and the alike course of events, by now, might have convinced you that Na’eem Offord has gone out of the grip of the Buckeyes for good. But he’s still not giving up.

On3 Recruits‘ Josh Nushberg spilled, ”The expectation though is that he will be back on campus for the first time since his official visit in June. He will be back on campus on November 30th for the Michigan game.” Well, the presence for “The Game” where the Buckeyes can easily trounce a struggling Michigan team can mean a great deal for Ryan Day. Along with Offord, a lot of other recruits are going to there that day.

Now the question it begs: why did Offord dismiss his recent visit if he is really confident in his decision and hasn’t made a change of mind so far? Well, the last-minute absence alone didn’t necessarily imply that he was considering not joining the Buckeyes. It can just be a chill day at home for the Birmingham native and not another sneaky shot at some programs.

But after Ohio State’s miserable week, 7 fall against The Ducks left room for their top recruit to reconsider his decision. The frequent Oregon connection, at that, undoubtedly adds to the Buckeyes’ conundrum.

Will Na’eem Offord reverse his promise to the Buckeyes? Analyzing the odds

Oregon coaches are highly active in building relationships and acknowledging the healthy culture within the program. Offord was only aware of this quality of the Ducks but never tasted it in reality unless and until he visited Eugene for a massive game. Their world-class facilities, helpful and caring attitude toward the players and the families, good academic and athletic packages, and attractive NIL opportunities are highly likely to make the right impression in Offord’s mind, at the least.

However, despite the vying, the former Alabama prospect remains steadfast in his commitment to Ohio State via social media, which is definitely a strong beam of hope for Ryan Day and Team Walton. When asked about his recent visit to Auburn for Big Cat weekend, the highly sought-after CB noted he is just enjoying the process.

There is plenty of time left for the top defensive back prospect to come to a final stretch, but if he reverses his commitment, it will certainly be a huge setback for the Buckeyes.

What’s your take on Ohio State Commit Na’eem Offord‘s current standing at the final stretch of recruitment? Let us know in the comments.