COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State football picked two pretty good games this season to have its offensive line playing at a high level in wins over Notre Dame and Wisconsin.
Against the Fighting Irish, the Buckeyes used a 15-play drive to seal a win, putting things in the hands of its offensive line to win battles at the line of scrimmage. Against the Badgers, the offensive line led the way for both TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams to surpass 100 rushing yards while keeping C.J. Stroud clean all night.
All of that happened while Ian Moore was in the stands taking in the primetime environment and watching a team that he finds more intriguing by the day. Moore is the No. 99 player and No. 4 interior offensive lineman in the 2024 class.
“The atmosphere is insane, honestly,” Moore told cleveland.com of his two gameday visits. “The recruits sit with the parents of the players, so I’ve actually got to meet a lot of these guys’ families, and they absolutely love it at Ohio State. The fans are amazing people. It’s just it’s a really good experience.
“Watching games on TV growing up, I expected that, but I didn’t expect it to that level.”
He’s a top 100 recruit living in the Big Ten footprint as a native of New Palestine, Ind., and has no desire ever to leave it.
“I’ve always known I’ve wanted to stay in the Big Ten,” Moore said. “My parents don’t fly, they drive, so it was really important to stay home.”
It’s why OSU has emerged alongside Iowa and Wisconsin — neither of which is having the best season — with the Badgers firing head coach Paul Chryst less than 24 hours after Moore was on campus.
- FanDuel Sportsbook promo:$1K No Sweat Bet
- DraftKings Sportsbook promo:Bet 5 Get 200 in Free Bets if your team wins on any NFL Pre-Game ML
- MGM Sportsbook promo:Bet 10 Get 200 NFL/CFB
- Caesars Sportsbook promo: $1,250 on us
- Barstool Sportsbook promo:Bet $20 Get $150 if a TD is scored by either team (Bengals, Jets, Ravens, Pats, Eagles, Commanders, Cowboys, Giants)
However, that won’t have as much of an impact on his decision. He knows what he likes and can identify it pretty quickly, regardless of who’s leading the program. That’s where Ohio State comes into play.
“I walk into a place, and I can tell if I like it or not, and I don’t have to talk to a coach or player,” Moore said. “I can walk in watching your practice, watch a game, boom, I like it, or I don’t like it. It’s really just a feel thing for me, and then obviously, I do my research on my own part.”
The four-star recruit has known since the moment he stepped on campus for a camp over the summer that OSU was special. It also has the added factor of having offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson on the staff, who’s had a long-standing relationship with Moore’s head coach Kyle Ralph because he once recruited him.
All of those factors are why Ohio State might be in the lead for recruitment that might be over in the next two months. Despite a specific coach not being the driving force being his decision, the right one could surely be the tipping point.
That’s where offensive line coach Justin Frye comes into play as he’s quickly caught Moore’s attention.
“Everytime we talk it seems like we’re getting a better bond,” Moore said.
The two met in the summer when Moore camped, getting a chance to go through many of the same drills Frye puts his current players through. That experience, mixed with seeing it in action this fall are why Frye has stood out.
He has a unique style that caters to the players mainly because it’s consistent regardless of the situation. He’s going to coach you with a ton of energy, no matter if it’s spring practice, fall camp, a Thursday walkthrough or even in warm-ups just hours before the game.
“When he when he’s teaching you, he’s really on your level and calm,” Moore said. “But then once he’s out of the teaching phase and starts to encourage you, then his energy ramps up. Watching the offensive line warm-up games. It’s the same thing there.
“That’s just really nice to see. A lot of coaches just kind of scream the entire time, and it’s really nice to see a coach get on to the player’s level and just have a conversation with them and actually coach them.”
Frye’s style is setting Ohio State apart for a player that would be a significant get for the program. Seeing that approach in action and producing results might be the reason the Buckeyes win this battle. Though it’ll have to show some patience as Moore validates whatever decision he’s already started leaning towards in his head.
“I’ve already kind of narrowed some schools down,” Moore said. “I’m thinking about committing either like after our regular season or during our postseason. So in the next month or two.”
To see Ohio State’s full 2024 recruiting class, click here.
More Buckeyes coverage
What’s up with TreVeyon Henderson, Miyan Williams and Ohio State football’s running backs?
What is Ohio State football’s depth chart against Michigan State?
Ohio State football’s banged-up secondary needs to limp through one more week
Ohio State football is on pace for its fewest sacks in a decade, but that stat is lying to you
Has Ohio State football’s defense looked championship caliber through five games?
What’s up with Ohio State football’s Emeka Egbuka and his muffed punt against Rutgers?
Will Ohio State football hold Jaxon Smith-Njigba out through the bye week?
Will Ohio State football’s TreVeyon Henderson play against Michigan State?
Here are the announcers for Ohio State football’s game against Michigan State
Michigan State’s newest transfer portal pickup for Ohio State football fans to worry about
A finally healthy Julian Fleming is showing why he’s so valuable to Ohio State football’s offense
Can the Buckeyes beat out Alabama for one 5-star while flipping another?
-
Get the latest Ohio State Buckeyes merchandise: Here’s where you can order Ohio State football gear online, including jerseys, T-shirts, hoodies, hats and much more.
If you or a loved one has questions and needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or the National Council on Program Gambling Helpline (NCPG) at 1-800-522-4700.