Ohio State Flips 5-Star DB Kendel Dolby from Oklahoma After Decommitting from Sooners Football
In a stunning recruiting coup, Ohio State has flipped 5-star defensive back Kendel Dolby from Oklahoma, securing a major commitment for the Buckeyes’ 2025 class. Dolby, one of the top-ranked defensive backs in the country, had previously committed to the Sooners but announced his decommitment earlier this week, sparking a frenzy of interest from top programs across the nation.
The Recruitment Process
Dolby’s recruitment was one of the most highly anticipated in the 2025 class, with the talented defensive back drawing interest from a who’s who of college football powerhouses. Oklahoma, Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State were among the top contenders for his services, with each program making a strong push to land the 5-star prospect.
Despite his initial commitment to Oklahoma, Dolby began to waver in his decision, sparking speculation that he might be open to exploring other options. Ohio State, which had been quietly building a relationship with Dolby throughout the recruitment process, saw an opportunity to make a late push and capitalize on the defensive back’s uncertainty.
The Flip
According to sources close to the recruitment, Ohio State’s coaching staff, led by head coach Ryan Day and defensive backs coach Tim Walton, made a concerted effort to build a relationship with Dolby and his family. The Buckeyes’ staff highlighted the program’s rich tradition of producing top-notch defensive backs, as well as the team’s commitment to developing players for the NFL.
The pitch apparently resonated with Dolby, who announced his commitment to Ohio State via social media on Wednesday evening. The news sent shockwaves throughout the college football world, with Buckeyes fans and recruits alike celebrating the program’s major recruiting coup.
What It Means for Ohio State
Dolby’s commitment is a significant boon for Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class, which is shaping up to be one of the best in the country. The 5-star defensive back brings a unique combination of size, speed, and athleticism to the table, making him an instant-impact player in the Buckeyes’ secondary.
With Dolby on board, Ohio State’s recruiting class now boasts an impressive array of talent, including several top-ranked prospects on both sides of the ball. The Buckeyes’ coaching staff has demonstrated a keen ability to identify and recruit top talent, and Dolby’s commitment is the latest example of the program’s recruiting prowess.
The Impact on Oklahoma
Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s loss of Dolby is a significant blow to the Sooners’ recruiting efforts. The program had been counting on the 5-star defensive back to anchor its secondary in the coming years, and his decommitment leaves a major void in the team’s recruiting class.
The Sooners’ coaching staff will need to regroup and refocus its recruitment efforts, identifying new targets to fill the void left by Dolby’s departure. While Oklahoma remains a top destination for recruits, the program’s inability to hold onto Dolby’s commitment is a setback that will require some scrambling to overcome.
Conclusion
Kendel Dolby’s commitment to Ohio State is a major recruiting coup for the Buckeyes, securing a top-ranked defensive back for the program’s 2025 class. The 5-star prospect’s decision to flip from Oklahoma is a testament to the Buckeyes’ coaching staff’s ability to build relationships and sell the program’s vision to top recruits.
As the recruiting landscape continues to evolve, Ohio State’s commitment to landing top talent remains unwavering. With Dolby on board, the Buckeyes are poised to make a major push for a national championship in the coming years.
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