2024 Freshman Class Report: Cornerback Bryce West

This is the eighth installment in a series where Buckeye Huddle looks back on each member of Ohio State’s 2024 signing class and the impact they had in their first season, as well as the impact they could have during the upcoming 2025 season. Up next is cornerback Bryce West.

Ohio State signed cornerback Bryce West out of Glenville High School in Cleveland, Ohio, which is the same school that sent past Tarblooder defensive backs like Ted Ginn, Jr., Donte Whitner, and Marshon Lattimore to OSU. West was a First-Team All-State selection as both a junior and senior. He helped lead Glenville to state titles in each of those two seasons. As a junior, he came up with four interceptions while not allowing a touchdown pass.

As a recruit, West was a high four-star prospect. He was ranked the No. 64 player in the 2024 class per the 247Sports Composite and the No. 9 cornerback in the nation overall. He was ranked the No. 2 player in Ohio behind Buckeye cornerback teammate Aaron Scott. West chose Ohio State over offers from Michigan, Alabama, Georgia, Oregon, and everyone else.

2024 Season

Bryce West set an Ohio State non-COVID record for true freshmen last year by playing in seven games and not burning a year of eligibility. West played in his allotted four regular season games, which is allowed, but then also saw action in three College Football Playoff games, which does not count towards a player’s eligibility.

Quite possibly the fastest player on the team (10.57 100m in high school), West saw time on defense in three games last year. In the process, he moved ahead of redshirt freshman Calvin Simpson-Hunt, who transferred out before last season was over. West finished with one tackle on the season and also one pass broken up, which you can see in the photo above.

So Now What For Bryce West?

When he was being recruited, Ohio State talked to Bryce West about playing both outside cornerback and nickel. To this point, he looks like he’s staying outside, but he definitely has the quickness and athleticism to move inside. He played every secondary position on the field in high school, so playing nickel or deep safety are not foreign to him.

The Buckeyes will have a top two of senior Davison Igbinosun and junior Jermaine Mathews at cornerback. Bryce West and Aaron Scott are the next two guys up in terms of experience, which gives you an idea of just how inexperienced the cornerback room is. True freshman Devin Sanchez will also have something to say about the competition.

West will be competing to be the third cornerback this year, which could lead to quite a bit of playing time. And as Jermaine Mathews showed last year, it could lead to a regular spot in the rotation. If snaps are earned, they will be given.

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