Lorenzo McMullen Jr., the top-ranked player in Ohio for the 2028 recruiting class, announced that an offer from Ohio State after a standout performance at the Buckeyes' camp has propelled the program into his final three choices.
A Camp That Changed the Game
The four‑star wide receiver impressed coaches with his route running and contested‑catch ability, earning praise from staff and fellow prospects alike. The offer marked a turning point, shifting his initial minimal contact with the program into a serious dialogue about a future in Columbus.
McMullen, whose mother hails from Columbus, said the proximity to family and the familiar Midwest atmosphere made the Buckeyes an especially appealing option. He noted that staying close to home would allow him to remain involved in the local community while focusing on his development on the field.
Choosing Among Elite Programs
Alongside Ohio State, the recruit listed LSU and Notre Dame as his other top schools. Each program offers a distinct blend of academic prestige, coaching philosophy, and national exposure, leaving the youngster to weigh his options carefully as he approaches the next phase of his career.
Ranked as the No. 7 wide receiver and No. 29 overall prospect in the 2028 class, McMullen joins a crowded field of five‑star receivers that Ohio State is targeting. The competition is fierce, but the player said the relationships he has built with current and future Buckeyes give him confidence in his fit with the program.
He has cultivated relationships with several current and future Ohio State players, among them Cortez Hankton, Kyren Lacy, Jeremiah Smith, Jett Harrison, Marvin Harrison Jr., Brysen Wright, Jaylen Addai, Braylon Clark, Deandre Bidden, Hayden Koo, Jermaine Mathews Jr., Chris Henry Jr., and Jamier Brown. These connections, he said, are a major factor in his evaluation of coaching staff and teammate dynamics.
Looking Ahead to the Fall
McMullen plans to return to Ohio State for multiple games this fall, using those visits to experience game‑day atmospheres and further gauge the environment. He emphasized that his recruitment will continue to be guided by the quality of relationships rather than mere rankings.
As the 2028 class takes shape, the Buckeyes remain a central player in McMullen's decision‑making process, a sentiment echoed by his family and coaches who see the Midwest as a promising landing spot for the talented pass catcher.