Daylon Gordon, the dynamic 2027 running back who had pledged his commitment to Texas State back in the spring, has officially flipped to Ohio State. This is a massive move, not just for Gordon, but for the recruiting landscape, as the Wylie senior, originally a three-star recruit, has exploded in the rankings to become a four-star prospect. He was once the 33rd-ranked back in the nation, but now he is sitting at No. 22 on 247Sports’ composite rankings.
Gordon’s Meteoric Rise to Ohio State
You do not just get a call from Ohio State unless you are putting up numbers, and Gordon certainly has been. Last season, he put up a stellar 1,063 yards on 169 carries, punching in 14 touchdowns. But he is not just a ground-and-pound guy, not even close. Gordon also hauled in 38 receptions for 565 yards and four more touchdowns, averaging a crazy 14.9 yards per catch. That kind of versatility is exactly why the Buckeyes came calling.
Gabe Brooks, a scouting analyst for 247, saw this coming months ago. He called Gordon a “dynamic playmaker” who can do it all, whether catching passes or running the ball. Brooks highlighted his “natural build for the position with a low center of gravity and broad-shouldered stature,” plus his “solid track and field data” and “equally respectable testing numbers.” Add in that top-end speed and acceleration, and it is no wonder other big programs like Texas Tech, Utah, Florida State, and Ole Miss were all in pursuit. Ohio State snagging him is a huge statement.
What This Means for Texas State’s Recruiting Efforts
For Texas State head coach GJ Kinne, this is a tough pill to swallow. Losing a talent like Gordon, especially after he committed early, stings. It shows just how cutthroat college football recruiting is. They are still holding onto Isaiah Reed, an athlete out of Hamshire who some recruiting outlets list as a potential back, but even that commitment looks shaky. Why? Because Alabama just dropped an offer on Reed.
So, while Ohio State is celebrating a huge win, Texas State is left scrambling to solidify their class. Losing Gordon is a blow, and now with Alabama circling their other potential back, coach Kinne has his work cut out for him to keep this 2027 class strong. The recruiting battles are never over until the ink is dry.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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