Tyreke Smith commits to Ohio State

Ohio State shored up a big need in its 2018 class on Thursday evening, landing in-state star Tyreke Smith. The 6-foot-4, 252-pound defensive end out of Cleveland Heights (Ohio) announced for the Buckeyes at the Under Armour All-American Game over programs such as Penn State, Alabama, USC, and more.

While Smith is staying home with the in-state power, it was not always a slam dunk for the Buckeyes. The four-star pass-rusher built a strong relationship with Penn State during the course of his recruitment and during the early fall months looked like he could be headed in that direction.

A late rally by the Buckeyes got things moving back towards Columbus in November and it became pretty clear which way Smith was leaning following his December official visit to Penn State.

Ohio State also received the last in-home visit for Smith before the Dead Period began in mid-December as things continued to trend toward the Buckeyes. Smith made it official on Thursday just before kickoff of the Under Armour All-American Game.

Smith is commitment No. 22 for Ohio State in the 2018 class and is the ninth Rivals100 product to join the fold for the Buckeyes. He is rated the No. 4 prospect in the state of Ohio and the No. 3 strong-side defensive end in the 2018 class.