Ohio State’s 2020 Class Suffers 2nd Decommit In Days

Less than 24 hours after Ohio State saw its first decommitment happen as Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy four-star defensive back Lejond Cavazos dropped from the 2020 class, the second casualty occurred Wednesday morning when Marietta, Ga., four-star offensive tackle Jake Wray took to Twitter and reopened his recruitment.

Citing the Buckeyes’ “major” coaching change with offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Ryan Day replacing head coach Urban Meyer, who announced Tuesday his retirement effective after No. 6 OSU (12-1) plays No. 10 Washington (10-3) in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1, Wray decided he needed to “re-evaluate” his recruitment.

Wray, whose older brother Max Wray is a freshman offensive tackle for Ohio State, thanked Meyer and offensive line coach Greg Studrawa for the opportunity and said he planned to keep the Buckeyes in consideration as his process plays out and OSU undergoes its transition to Day.

“I want to wish Coach Meyer the best on his retirement,” Wray’s tweet read. “Being recruiting by him has been an honor. Building a relationship with Coach Meyer, Coach Stud and the staff at OSU has meant so much to me. My family & I are thankful for their time and investment in me as a player and student. This has been a challenging decision, especially with my brother being on the time, but committing early had only one big loop hole for me – no major coaching changes. As the programs adjusts, I need to de-commit and re-evaluate my recruitment. Ohio State is still one of my top schools. Buckeye Nation you are the best and I want to thank you for your support. This has not been easy and I ask you please respect my decision. No interviews at this time.”

The younger Wray was Ohio State’s first commitment for 2020 when he announced his pledge to the Buckeyes on April 23. The 6-5, 290-pounder most recently made an unofficial visit to campus in Columbus for OSU’s 62-39 rout of Michigan on Nov. 24.

Between the decisions of Cavazos and Wray, who are both still considering Ohio State despite taking the step back, the Buckeyes’ star-studded class of 2020 has shrunk from seven to five. OSU’s group for next year now includes Cincinnati St. Xavier five-star offensive tackle Paris Johnson, Scottsdale (Ariz.) Chaparral four-star quarterback Jack Miller, Montvale (N.J.) St. Joseph Regional four-star center Luke Wypler and Scottsdale (Ariz.) Chaparral four-star running back Darvon Hubbard and Rockwall, Texas, four-star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

While Johnson, Wypler and Hubbard have not updated on their statuses one way or another in the wake of the news, Miller and Smith-Njigba were among the positive reactions Tuesday from recruits. Shortly after the details broke in the morning, Miller and Smith-Njigba announced they were still firm to OSU under Day.

Wray is the 247Sports composite‘s No. 123 overall prospect, No. 16 offensive tackle and No. 13 player in Georgia for 2020. In the absence of Cavazos and Wray, Ohio State’s 2020 class dropped from third to fourth nationally in the 247Sports composite team rankings.

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