With recruiting camps and offers abounding, prospects in the recruiting class of 2025 are starting to see their path to the next level open to a plethora of potential avenues.
Few recruitments of late have been gaining as much steam as that of Toledo (Ohio) Whitmer four-star offensive tackle Carter Lowe. Ranked as the nation’s 142nd-best prospect by the 247Sports composite, slotting in as the 16th-best tackle and fifth-best player in Ohio, the past three days he’s gained offers from Alabama and Clemson to add to a list that already includes Ohio State, Georgia, Michigan and Penn State, among others.
As it concerns the Buckeyes, the 6-5, 290-pound behemoth last swung through Columbus June 12 for the second of the team’s one-day recruiting camps. Having already offered back in January, the Buckeyes are in a good early position for the highly-touted in-state talent.
“I had a really good time,” Lowe told BSB after the camp. “I love Coach (Justin) Frye’s teaching and I think it helped me a lot today.”
The “good time” was good enough that the prospect plans on returning to Columbus sometime this month for an unofficial visit.
“I enjoy them a lot,” Lowe said. “I love coming on campus. I can’t wait to get back here.”
With Lowe’s lower-built frame and punchier pass-blocking style, there’s some consideration that he could factor in at guard at the next level as opposed to tackle. He does have the long arms that are the calling card of many edge-protectors, however.
Frye, since he took over as the Buckeyes’ offensive line coach last year, has a tendency to start young players at tackle when in doubt because the athleticism required translates across the line.
“(He’s told me) I’ll play tackle, in general, he’s not really saying left or right,” Lowe said. “I played left and right today, and I had a good time.”
In speaking on schools that are standing out, Lowe first pointed to Ohio State and archrival Michigan — he does reside in the famous battle ground city of Toledo. Georgia and Alabama were also names he mentioned.
He plans to make his commitment next season after his official visits are finished. His bond with his future coaches will be of paramount importance when determining which program gets his services.
“Just the relationship that I have with the offensive line coach, that’s the biggest thing, for sure,” Lowe said. “Then who’s committing also, the other teammates. I like to be around good people.”
Frye has put himself in a good spot early to build his bond with Lowe. It should make the Buckeyes a factor long-term in the race to sign the coveted road-grader.
“I have a really good relationship with him. I love talking with him, I love speaking to him,” Lowe said. “I think he does a really good job coaching the offensive line and I have a lot of respect for him.”
