Ohio State QB Target Semaj Beals Talks Visit, Meeting Chip Kelly

Ohio State only offered a few quarterback prospects in the 2026 recruiting class before new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly arrived in Columbus. But there are several more targets to keep an eye on moving forward and Philadelphia (PA) Roman Catholic standout Semaj Beals, was back on campus this week to meet Kelly and get a look at spring practice.

“The Ohio State visit was very good,” Beals told BuckeyeHuddle.com. “Had a chance to watch the practice right on the field right alongside coach Kelly and had a chance to have a good conversation with him, one-on-one, about how they go about evaluating quarterbacks. I also had a chance to spend some time with coach Day so I would say overall the visit was good. I’m looking forward to continuing to build a good relationship with the coaching staff and players.”

The conversation with Kelly was a productive one as the offensive guru continues to work quickly to build relationships with the Buckeyes’ class of 2026 quarterback targets.

“The conversation was the very good,” Beals explained. “We probably met for about a good 45 minutes. We just talked about a lot of different stuff. It was very open and honest about the process and he told me I’m here because my skill set allows me to be here. I’m very familiar with his background, he coached in PA (with the Philadelphia Eagles) and I play in PA. He also coached at Oregon as well. He has a ton of football knowledge so we will continue to get to know each other along the process.”

There were several things that stood out to Beals on his visit, but one of the best moments came right out of the gate.

“Well, when I came in, I came in through the front and I was in the trophy room,” he recalled. “Just to see all the different accolades as a team and individuals, it’s definitely a historic football state. I love to see how the players get after it and how the coaches coach them up. The weight room was also top notch.”

Ohio State’s recent history of development at the quarterback position is something that the Buckeyes have working in their favor with Beals who looks up to a pair of former OSU signal callers.

“Ohio State has always been a school that I’ve watched since I was younger with my dad,” Beals said. “They also are a school that’s known for quarterbacks making it to the next level. I’ve always followed C.J. (Stroud) and Justin (Fields) those are two quarterbacks that have came through the program and they’re both gonna have huge success at the next level. C.J. as Rookie of the Year, that right there says it all when it comes to why Ohio State is a good school.”

Beals could be back on campus again before the season starts and says he also plans to attend a game in the fall, possibly the Michigan game.

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