Ohio State is building a strong secondary in 2025, as it added a commitment on Sunday from Birmingham (Ala.) Parker five-star cornerback Na’eem Offord (6-1, 185).
Offord is the fifth-ranked overall prospect in the class – the highest-rated so far for the Buckeyes – as well as the top-ranked cornerback in the cycle. He committed during a weekend visit to Ohio State, pledging to the Buckeyes over Alabama, Auburn and Georgia, among others. This was Offord’s second visit to Ohio State dating back to last July, during which he has built a strong relationship with cornerbacks coach Tim Walton, who also visited Offord at Parker in January.
Last season at Parker, Offord helped lead the Thundering Herd to a 10-0 record in the regular season, finishing with 14 tackles and four interceptions on defense while carrying the ball 22 times for 182 yards and four touchdowns on offense.
“A toolsy cornerback prospect with the size to match large perimeter weapons and the speed to cover the deep third,” wrote 247Sports’ Andrew Ivins. “Owns some of the best testing numbers that we have come across thus far in the 2025 cycle with a 4.5-second effort in the 40-yard dash on the ledger to go along with an 11-foot broad jump.
“(He is) already pretty versed in both press-man and off-man coverage. Rather fluid for someone that’s over 6-foot and can quickly change directions with his agility. Not afraid to break on a ball and will play through hands at the catch point.”
Offord is the eighth commitment in Ohio State’s recruiting class, and the third cornerback to commit to the Buckeyes along with Houston (Texas) North Shore five-star Devin Sanchez (6-2, 170) and Baltimore St. Frances Academy four-star Blake Woodby (5-11, 175). With just over 10 months until the Early Signing Period, Ohio State has the makings of an elite group at cornerback.
