Breaking News;.Best wide receivers decommit and Flip To Ohio state full commitment over Clemson and Tennessee…
Breaking News: Top Wide Receivers Decommit and Flip to Ohio State, Full Commitment Over Clemson and Tennessee
In an unexpected and dramatic turn of events, two of the nation’s top high school wide receivers have decommitted from their respective schools and pledged their full commitment to Ohio State University. Both highly sought-after recruits had previously committed to Clemson and Tennessee, respectively, but have now chosen to switch allegiances, adding to Ohio State’s already impressive 2025 recruiting class. Their decisions have sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting landscape, as the Buckeyes continue to position themselves as a powerhouse in the race for top-tier talent.
A Historic Flip in the Recruiting World
The news of these decommitments and flips is a testament to the highly competitive nature of college football recruiting, where recruitment battles can often come down to the smallest of margins. Ohio State, under the guidance of head coach Ryan Day and wide receivers coach Brian Hartline, has been one of the most successful programs in recent years when it comes to landing elite wide receiver prospects.
This latest development adds significant firepower to the Buckeyes’ recruiting efforts, which were already among the best in the nation. Known for producing NFL-ready wide receivers, including recent standouts like Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State has built a reputation as a program that not only develops talent but also provides a high-profile platform for its players to shine.
The decommitment of these two wide receivers is particularly notable given the programs they left behind. Clemson and Tennessee, both powerhouses in their own right, had put in substantial efforts to land these recruits, making the flips all the more surprising. However, Ohio State’s appeal was simply too strong to ignore.
The First Flip: Decommitting from Clemson
The first wide receiver to make headlines is Xavier Thomas, a 6’2”, 195-pound wideout from Georgia who had originally committed to Clemson in the summer of 2024. Thomas had been a top target for Tigers’ head coach Dabo Swinney and his staff, and many analysts expected him to be a key piece in their future offensive plans. With a combination of speed, strong hands, and a sharp football IQ, Thomas has been widely regarded as one of the top wide receiver prospects in the country.
However, just weeks after reaffirming his commitment to Clemson, Thomas took a visit to Ohio State during an official recruiting trip. The visit proved to be a turning point, as he was immediately impressed by the facilities, the coaching staff, and the overall culture of the program.
“I’ve never felt so at home,” Thomas said in an exclusive interview following his visit to Ohio State. “The way they develop wide receivers here, and the attention they give to each player is unmatched. It’s not just about football; it’s about growing as a person too.”
Thomas’s decommitment from Clemson was a shock to many, as his family and coaches had long been supportive of his initial choice to play for the Tigers. However, after further discussions with Ohio State’s coaching staff and taking into account the Buckeyes’ track record of wide receiver development, Thomas made the decision to flip his commitment.
This decommitment has significant implications for Clemson, as the Tigers had long been seen as the frontrunner for Thomas’ services. They will now need to pivot their recruiting efforts and adjust their plans moving forward.
The Second Flip: A Surprising Move from Tennessee
The second major flip came from Eli Collins, a 6’1”, 190-pound wide receiver out of Tennessee who had previously committed to his home-state school, the University of Tennessee. Collins had been a highly sought-after recruit in the 2025 class, and his pledge to the Volunteers was seen as a major win for head coach Josh Heupel, especially considering Tennessee’s resurgence as a competitive force in the SEC. The Volunteers had been working hard to keep Collins in-state, offering him a chance to be part of an explosive offense that had gained national attention in recent years.
But in a surprising twist, Collins visited Ohio State just days after Thomas’s commitment and was equally blown away by what the Buckeyes had to offer. Collins had been a fan of Ohio State growing up, and his visit reignited his interest in joining the Buckeyes, who have long been known for their explosive passing attack.
“I’ve always watched Ohio State football growing up, and being able to see it up close, especially the way they use their wide receivers, was an eye-opener for me,” Collins said in a statement. “The opportunity to play at a school with this much tradition and develop my game to the next level was something I couldn’t pass up.”
Collins’s flip marks another huge blow to Tennessee’s recruiting efforts. The Volunteers had hoped that keeping the in-state prospect would help solidify their status as one of the premier programs in the SEC. Now, with Collins’ decision to switch to Ohio State, the Buckeyes have further cemented their position as one of the top destinations for elite wide receiver talent.
Ohio State’s Recruiting Momentum: A Growing Juggernaut
With the addition of Thomas and Collins, Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class has become even more formidable. The Buckeyes are already on track to have one of the top classes in the nation, with several five-star and four-star prospects in key positions, but adding two highly ranked wide receivers who were previously committed to other powerhouse programs further strengthens their standing.
Brian Hartline, widely considered one of the best wide receiver coaches in college football, has once again proven his ability to recruit and develop top talent. Hartline’s success in cultivating NFL-ready wide receivers is a major selling point for recruits, and his reputation is only growing with each successive class.
“Coach Hartline is a genius when it comes to developing wide receivers,” Thomas commented after his commitment. “His ability to take guys to the next level and get them ready for the NFL was a huge factor for me.”
With the flips of Thomas and Collins, Ohio State’s offense looks poised for continued dominance in the coming years. The combination of elite wide receivers, a high-powered quarterback in Kyle McCord, and a top-tier coaching staff makes the Buckeyes an even more formidable force on the national stage.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of These Commitments
These flips are significant not only for Ohio State but also for Clemson and Tennessee, who now face the challenge of regrouping and pursuing other top wide receiver prospects. Ohio State’s continued success in landing elite talent will only fuel the rivalry between these schools, as well as other college football programs vying for the nation’s top recruits.
For the Buckeyes, however, this is a clear signal that their program is a destination for the best players in the country, and the 2025 season will undoubtedly see even more excitement as these talented wide receivers look to make an immediate impact on the field.
