Five-star CB Tyson Campbell lists Ohio State in final five, but he's not going to be a Buckeye

June 15, 2024

SAN ANTONIO — When Ohio State saw five-star defensive back Jaiden Woodbey of Bellflower (California) St. John Bosco flip to and sign with Florida State on Dec. 20, the hope was that the Buckeyes could fill his spot with another five-star cornerback in January.

Tyson Campbell is a name that’s technically still on the Buckeyes’ board.

But if Ohio State finds a replacement for Woodbey, it’s not going to be the cornerback of Fort Lauderdale (Florida) American Heritage.

‌‌‌ Rated the No. 3 cornerback in the 2018 recruiting class in the 247Sports composite rankings, Campbell is one of only a handful of uncommitted prospects participating in the U.S. Army All-American Game this week — thanks to the early signing period — and he lists five schools as alive in his recruitment: Ohio State, Miami, Georgia, Clemson and Alabama.

“They all have great campuses and great coaches,” Campbell told The Athletic. “The only thing I really haven’t done is hang with the players a lot. I have just talked to the coaches and looked at facilities, so on my officials I should be able to do more.”

Asked if he could really feel how bad Ohio State wants him in its 2018 class, Campbell had an interesting response.

“Not really,” he said.

Gotcha.

According to a source close to the situation, Ohio State is still recruiting Campbell and would love to add him in February, but the Buckeyes perceive they are out of the race. And talking to Campbell for a few minutes, it was clear he lacked the outward enthusiasm you’d think is necessary for the Buckeyes to get firmly back into the discussion.

Campbell hasn’t taken an official visit yet, but he said he wants to take at least four in January. He has two already scheduled for Georgia (Jan. 12) and Alabama (Jan. 19). Though an Ohio State visit is still being discussed, Campbell, who has already unofficially visited Ohio State, was short when asked whether he’d like to get an official to Columbus planned.

“I don’t know what the deciding factor is going to be, but probably the comfort of the guys I’m going to be playing in and the environment I am in,” Campbell said.

There are a lot of potential environments.

Don’t expect Columbus to be one of them.

Photo credit: 247Sports

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