Ohio State Commit Na'eem Offord Focused on Big Picture

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Ohio State picked up one of the big recruiting coups of the 2025 cycle this winter when it landed the pledge of five-star Birmingham (Ala.) Parker cornerback Na’eem Offord.

Since that time, rumors have persisted about the firmness of Offord’s commitment to Ohio State, but the Top 10 overall prospect says he saw something early in the Buckeyes that has kept his commitment.

“You’ve got to look at what’s best for you,” Offord said of his early pledge to Ohio State. “What’s the best fit. I knew that the best fit for me, coaching wise, was being coached by coach (Tim) Walton. He coached my favorite player, Jalen Ramsey, and he developed him as you can see. (Ramsey) said he was the first DB coach to actually coach him and to develop him and push him. Who wouldn’t want to be coached by someone who can push you and send you to that high level?”

Offord combines with Devin Sanchez and Blake Woodby to form the top cornerback class in the nation. The three have put egos aside to form what could be a special trio in Columbus.

“We were all at the spring game talking with coach Walton,” Offord explained. “We all have a strong relationship with coach Walton and it just builds from there. We don’t worry about rankings anymore. It doesn’t bother us, as you can see, because we’re teammates and we’re going to be competing. When we get to Ohio State, it’s going to be a whole different ball game.”

Offord’s early commitment to Ohio State certainly hasn’t dissuaded other schools from continuing to push and to pry him away from the Buckeyes. Offord says he remains solid in his commitment, however.

“I’m still locked in right now,” he said. “There’s still some schools that are saying they ain’t going to stop recruiting me. Out of respect, there are certain schools that have been recruiting me even before Ohio State, still giving them a chance, but I’m locked in with Ohio State.”

The conversations with Ohio State and Walton on this matter have been direct and ‘relaxed’ according to Offord.

“It’s just communication.” he said. “As long as I let him know what’s ahead, instead of going behind his back and going around and talking to other schools and going on visits without letting him know, it’s a problem.”

Offord is undoubtedly getting some aggressive recruiting pitches from potential suitors but says he isn’t focused on short term gains, rather than his long term development as a player.

“I’m different,” he said. “I’m looking at the long run. I ain’t lookin’ at the bag right now. I’m looking at the long run. I’ll get the bag later on.”

Hear more from Offord on his relationship with Walton, his commitment to Ohio State, building one of the nation’s best recruiting classes, and more from our Southern Swing.