Is Ryan Day already falling behind in the race for future stars? The battle for top-tier talent in the 2027 recruiting cycle is heating up, and one of the nation’s most coveted young prospects—Austin Coles—has made a move that’s sending shockwaves through the college football world. While powerhouse programs like Ohio State have been in the hunt, recent developments suggest the Buckeyes are slipping out of contention. Now, with four programs taking the lead in his recruitment, the question looms: has Ryan Day lost his grip on another elite playmaker?
A Rising Star Turns Heads—But Not Ohio State’s Way
The name Austin Coles may not yet be a household one, but that’s about to change. The Illinois native has already captured the attention of 11 major programs, with powerhouse schools eager to land the dynamic playmaker. Ranked as the No. 14 tight end in his class, the 4-star recruit has drawn interest from Ohio State and Illinois. However, according to Rivals’ Greg Smith in a February 19 update following the Pylon 7-on-7 event in Chicago, Coles seems to be pivoting away from his home state and the reigning national champions. Instead, he’s locked in on four standout programs—Miami, Michigan State, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M—who have already extended offers.
A Playmaker in the Making
Austin Coles first burst onto the scene at Loyola before transferring to Barrington for his sophomore season, and he hasn’t looked back. Primarily lining up as a wide receiver, he has showcased his ability to dominate defenses, racking up an impressive 892 yards and six touchdowns on just 43 receptions in 19 games. That’s an eye-popping 20.7 yards per catch and an average of 99.1 yards per game—numbers that scream future star.
At 6’4” and 195 pounds, Coles is an absolute nightmare for defenders, using his size, strength, and instincts to create separation and high-point the football. Prep Redzone has already labeled him as a “physical, intuitive, and strong WR with exceptional catch ability.” If he continues this trajectory, he could be one of the most sought-after offensive weapons in the country. His elite 7v7 performances have only reinforced his reputation, proving that his ability to win one-on-one battles translates against top competition.
Ryan Day Faces Another Recruiting Gut Punch
Losing early ground on Austin Coles is bad news for Ohio State, but it’s not the only headache Ryan Day is dealing with. The Buckeyes’ 2026 recruiting class is in a precarious position as well, with their prized 5-star wide receiver commit, Chris Henry Jr., keeping his recruitment open despite pledging allegiance to OSU.
Henry Jr., the son of late NFL receiver Chris Henry, has already scheduled four official visits this summer—to Miami (May 30), USC (June 6), Oregon (June 13), and finally Ohio State (June 20). While the Buckeyes still have the last word, the fact that he’s actively entertaining other offers means Ryan Day can’t afford to get complacent.
A Glimmer of Hope for Ohio State?
Despite the setback, the Buckeyes have already secured two big commitments for 2027—4-star quarterback Brady Edmunds and 4-star wide receiver Jamier Brown. If Ryan Day can make a late push, there’s still a chance to lure Coles back into the mix.
But recruiting is a cutthroat game, and as Coles continues to rise, more schools will inevitably throw their hats into the ring. The coming months will be crucial, and Buckeye Nation will be watching closely. Will Ryan Day rally and make a push for Austin Coles, or will one of the four frontrunners lock down one of the nation’s top young playmakers before Ohio State can react?
In the high-stakes world of college football recruiting, nothing is certain—except that the battle for Austin Coles is far from over.
