Is Ryan Day missing out? It’s very early but the hunt for 2027 talent is already relentless. Early positioning is crucial in modern college football. One coveted prospect from Illinois is stirring interest among top football programs including Ohio State. But with the latest developments shaking things up for this rising star who’s currently under the radar, Ohio State finds itself in the backseat as four other programs swoop in to lure this highly-rated prospect — Austin Coles — in the 2027 recruiting cycle.

It’s no wonder why 11 college football teams are making an early push for Austin Coles, the 4-star No. 14 TE of his class. Among them are Ohio State and Illinois. But per Rivals’ Greg Smith’s latest update on February 19 following Sunday’s Pylon 7-on-7 Chicago event, the Barrington HS star is starting away from the National Champions as well as his native state. He already secured offers from four schools — Miami, Michigan State, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M. While this is an early mix, the momentum is shifting and the battle for Coles is just getting started. 

Austin Coles first began his high school career at Loyola before transferring to Barrington for his sophomore season. Primarily playing at WR, he appeared in 19 games racking up 892 yards and six touchdowns on 43 receptions, averaging 20.7 yards per catch and 99.1 yards per game in 2024. These numbers highlight his abilities to be a playmaker and contribute significantly to the offense. Prep Redzone labeled him as a “6’4 physical, intuitive and strong WR with exceptional catch ability.” 

At 6’4, 195 pounds, Austin Coles effectively uses his size and strength to create separation from defenders, making him a reliable target in the passing game. He still has ample time to prove why he’s the No. 7 prospect in Illinois. A rising national recruit, he’s already proven himself at the 7v7 competition that displayed his dominance in one-on-one battles. His upcoming junior season will keep most powerhouses on a strict lookout as he continues to develop himself as a future Power 4 impact player. His hype only gives more heartbreak to Ryan Day. 

Can Ryan Day survive an impending setback possibility?

Losing the early interest of Austin Coles is a sting for Ohio State, but that isn’t the only recruiting headache that Coach Day is dealing with. His prized 2026 5-star WR commit Chris Henry Jr. is still keeping his recruitment open. Despite the 17-year-old’s pledge to the Buckeyes, he already has four official visits lined up this summer — Miami (May 30), USC (June 6), Oregon (June 13), and ending with the final visit to Columbus on June 20. The final date may spark hope but the fact that other powerhouses are still in the mix signals that Ryan Day can’t afford to take things lightly. The battle to lock him in will be just as intense as the fight for uncommitted recruits like Coles.

Despite the setback, Ohio State has already secured two 4-star commits locked in for 2027 — QB Brady Edmunds and WR Jamier Brown. If Ryan Day can woe Austin Coles in the coming days, there’s a chance because of the interest. As he progresses through his high school career, he remains a standout athlete to watch with a promising future in college football. His stocks continue to rise and as his junior season approaches, we can expect more schools to enter the race. 

It’s early to tell now but in the wild world of college football recruiting, anything could happen. Buckeyes Nation will be watching closely to see if Ryan Day can pull off a late push for Austin Coles or if another program will land one of the nation’s top TE prospects in 2027.