Curious Fans Ask: Has Ohio State Identified Its Leading Quarterback Prospect for 2028? Here’s What We Know
Columbus, OH — As the 2025 college football season approaches, all eyes are naturally on the present — the upcoming matchups, returning starters, and playoff hopefuls. But in the high-stakes world of college football recruiting, the future is always unfolding. And for a powerhouse like Ohio State, that future is as important as ever. The question now captivating the Buckeye fanbase: Has Ohio State already identified its top quarterback target for the class of 2028?
According to early whispers from recruiting insiders, the answer may very well be yes — and the name on everyone’s radar is Jalen Montgomery, a rising eighth-grader from Georgia already drawing comparisons to some of college football’s all-time greats.
While it’s still early in the recruiting process for the Class of 2028, insiders say Ohio State is not only watching Montgomery closely — they’ve made him a priority prospect, setting the stage for what could become one of the most anticipated quarterback recruitments in the coming years.
The Next Big Thing: Who Is Jalen Montgomery?
Jalen Montgomery might not yet be a household name, but within quarterback development circles, he’s already being hailed as a generational talent. At just 14 years old, Montgomery stands at 6’2” and 185 pounds, with the frame and arm strength of a varsity starter. He currently plays for a private school in Atlanta, Georgia, and has already lit up several elite quarterback camps including the FBU National Championship, the Steve Clarkson QB Retreat, and the Under Armour Futures Combine.
Scouting reports describe Montgomery as having:
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A lightning-quick release
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High football IQ and field vision
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Dual-threat mobility
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Charisma and leadership well beyond his years
In a recent 7-on-7 tournament held in Florida, Montgomery threw 15 touchdowns over four games, facing competition up to two years older than him. Videos of his throws — particularly one 45-yard bomb across his body while on the run — have already gone viral among high school scouting circles.
Ohio State’s Early Involvement
Sources close to the Ohio State program confirm that Ryan Day’s staff has already been in contact with Montgomery’s family, through permissible channels such as camp invitations and quarterback development events.
While NCAA regulations prohibit formal offers or in-depth contact with players until the summer before their junior year, that hasn’t stopped top-tier programs from establishing relationships through QB gurus, family advisors, and private trainers.
Ohio State quarterback coach Corey Dennis reportedly watched Montgomery throw in person during a youth QB showcase in Atlanta and came away “stunned” by his mechanics, arm talent, and calm demeanor.
“Ohio State sees Jalen as a long-term investment,” said one recruiting analyst for 247Sports. “They want to be the first school that shows belief in him — the first visit he remembers when he’s 17.”
A Strategic Long Game
Ohio State’s early positioning with Montgomery reflects a larger strategic approach under Ryan Day: identifying elite quarterbacks early, building genuine relationships, and making Columbus feel like home before a recruit even takes their first high school snap.
It’s the same blueprint that led to the successful recruitments of C.J. Stroud, Kyle McCord, Devin Brown, and more recently Air Noland.
“Ohio State doesn’t chase quarterbacks late. They build them early,” noted ESPN college football analyst Tom Luginbill. “Montgomery fits the exact profile they love: poised, polished, and prepared.”
The Competition Is Already Lurking
While Ohio State may be in the early lead, other national programs are circling. Alabama, USC, Georgia, Texas, and Oregon have all either invited Montgomery to campus for future events or have extended early camp-based interest. Georgia, being his in-state school, is particularly aggressive, hoping to keep Montgomery close to home.
His quarterback coach, speaking on anonymity due to recruiting protocol, noted:
“Jalen’s not making any decisions soon. But yes, schools are watching. Big schools. And Ohio State is definitely on his radar. He respects what they’ve done with QBs.”
Buckeye Fans Are Taking Notice
Ohio State fans, as always, are forward-looking. Online forums like 11W and Bucknuts have already seen Montgomery’s name surface in recruiting chatter. Some fans are calling him “The Next One,” while others are tempering expectations, knowing how long the recruiting cycle is.
Still, the excitement is palpable. In an era where quarterback development can define a program’s decade, fans are thrilled to hear that Ohio State is already planting seeds with a potential future Heisman candidate.
What’s Next?
Jalen Montgomery is set to begin high school this fall, and while he won’t be eligible for formal offers for another two