One of Ohio State’s primary targets in the 2028 class has made a decision, and will be playing for a rival.
Anthony Blalock Jr. is a 4-star offensive lineman from Youngstown. Ohio. He was ranked as the No. 204 in the 2028 class and the No. 6 player in the state of Ohio according to the 24/7 Sports Composite rankings.. Blalock announced his commitment to the Alabama Crimson Tide on Monday. It was an unfortunate result for Ohio State, who have continued to try to make an effort to keep in-state talent home.
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Blalock had emerged as one of the top prospects in the state, standing at 6-foot-5, 305 pounds. He had the type of size that drew the attention of several Power Four programs, including Indiana, Florida State, Texas Tech, and Georgia Tech. Ohio State stayed in the recruiting process until the very end; however, Alabama ultimately won out.
For the Buckeyes, the loss stings because Blalock Jr. could have been a great story about a local kid staying home and turning into a foundational piece for a future Ohio State line. Perception will matter, and Alabama coming into the state and stealing one of the best it has to offer is a humbling experience.
For Ohio State, the focus will shift to the next tier of offensive linemen targets in the 2028 class. This recruitment also served as a reminder that despite the reputation and momentum that Ohio State has had recently on the recruiting side, there is no room to relax.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Priority 2028 Ohio State football target picks Alabama over Buckeyes
