In the wild, unpredictable world of college football recruiting, one truth remains constant: the early bird doesn’t just get the worm—it builds a dynasty.
And on Friday morning, Ohio State just proved they’re not waiting around to chase greatness—they’re hunting it.
Meet Elijah Newman-Hall, the electrifying 6-foot, 205-pound Florida running back who just became the first domino to fall in Ohio State’s 2028 recruiting class—a seismic move that sent shockwaves through the future of Big Ten football. Yes, 2028. You read that right.
The Commitment That No One Saw Coming
It wasn’t supposed to happen this early.
Most fans are still dissecting the 2025 class. Coaches are just getting serious about 2026. And the 2027 cycle? Still simmering.
But then came Newman-Hall—a name you may not have heard yet, but a name you won’t stop hearing if you’re tuned into the future of college football. After showcasing his freakish talents at an Ohio State recruiting camp earlier this week, the freshman phenom didn’t just impress—he mesmerized.
He toured the facilities. He met with elite running backs coach Carlos Locklyn. He visualized himself in scarlet and gray. And before the week ended, he pulled the trigger.
Who Is Elijah Newman-Hall?
Let’s break it down.
In just his freshman season, Newman-Hall ran like a man possessed—racking up 829 rushing yards on 80 carries in just 10 games. That’s over 10 yards per touch against varsity defenses while still technically learning how to drive a car. He wasn’t just quick—he was brutal, punishing defenders with grown-man physicality that belied his age.
Oh, and did we mention he’s also a terror on defense?
- 28 tackles
- 8 sacks
- 7 QB hits
- 3 forced fumbles
- 2 recoveries
It’s rare to see a player this young dominate on both sides of the ball. It’s even rarer to find one with the maturity to shut down his recruitment before even starting his sophomore year—but that’s exactly what Newman-Hall did.
With offers from the likes of Miami, Florida State, UCF, and Wake Forest, he could’ve played the long game. He could’ve soaked in the spotlight. But he didn’t. He chose the Buckeyes. Early. Definitively. Boldly.
Why Ohio State? Why Now?
The answer lies in a combination of vision and vibes.
Ohio State’s on-campus experience—known for wowing even the most seasoned recruits—hit all the right notes with Newman-Hall. But it was Carlos Locklyn, OSU’s elite running backs coach, who sealed the deal. Locklyn immediately identified Newman-Hall as his guy in the 2028 class. And when a coach with Locklyn’s eye for talent tells you you’re “the one,” you listen.
Newman-Hall didn’t hesitate. He felt it. He committed. And now, he’s not just in the class—he’s leading it.
What This Means for Ohio State
This commitment is more than just a flashy headline. It’s a culture move. Newman-Hall’s early decision signals to other elite underclassmen that Ohio State is already building something special for 2028.
With his powerful build, proven production, and raw hunger, Newman-Hall is the kind of player you build a recruiting class and an offense around. He’s expected to be a peer recruiter, actively helping Ohio State attract top-tier talent in what could become one of the most stacked classes of the late 2020s.
And make no mistake—programs around the country took notice. Florida State? Miami? UCF? They’ve all now lost ground before they could even build momentum. And Ohio State? They just made a statement.
The Verdict
Elijah Newman-Hall isn’t just a freshman. He’s a force of nature—a hybrid of size, skill, and swagger rarely seen at this age. His commitment is a chess move in a recruiting world often driven by short-term hype and late-cycle drama.
Ohio State didn’t just get a head start.
They got a headliner.
