Ohio State’s recruiting class took a blow on Monday as Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas four-star running back pledge Jordan Lyle (6-0, 180) announced he has flipped his commitment to Miami.
Lyle is the No. 145 overall prospect and No. 11 running back in the class, and he had been committed to Ohio State since April. But despite his pledge to the Buckeyes, Lyle had continued to stay in touch with the Hurricanes, including an official visit this past weekend, resulting in his eventual flip just days before the Early Signing Period.
It’s a significant loss for the Buckeyes, as Lyle had rushed for 1,376 yards and 21 touchdowns this past season. He is also the second running back in as many cycles – along with Mark Fletcher last season – that the Hurricanes flipped late in the recruiting calendar. With Lyle’s flip, the Buckeyes are left with San Antonio Veterans Memorial four-star running back James Peoples (5-10, 192) and Pickerington (Ohio) North three-star running back Sam Williams-Dixon (5-11, 203).
Ohio State’s depth at running back remains a concern heading into next season following the transfers of both Evan Pryor and Chip Trayanum, as well as the draft departure of Miyan Williams. The Buckeyes also await word from TreVeyon Henderson, who could be one of just two returning scholarship running backs along with Dallan Hayden, who took a redshirt this season.
