Phillip Bell III What a Saturday for Ohio State! The Buckeyes kicked off their 2024 season with a jaw-dropping 52-6 demolition of Akron. But as if that wasn’t enough excitement, they turned their attention to the recruiting trail and scored another massive win.
Evening Twist: Just hours after their big game, Ohio State snagged their second victory of the day by landing 2025 four-star wide receiver Phillip Bell III. This kid is a game-changer, choosing the Buckeyes over USC to join what’s already shaping up to be the No. 1 recruiting class in the country.
Recruiting Scoop: Bell is ranked as the No. 19 WR and No. 184 overall player nationally by the 247Sports Composite. This 6-foot-2 playmaker had nearly 40 offers and narrowed it down to Ohio State and USC. But in the end, it was the Buckeyes who sealed the deal, thanks in no small part to the stellar reputation of position coach Brian Hartline.
Bell shared his thoughts with On3: “Development is key for me. I spent a lot of time with coach Brian Hartline, breaking down film and talking strategy. He showed me exactly how they’d utilize me and how I’d grow as a player under his guidance.”
Phillip Bell III Visit Rundown: Bell’s journey to Columbus has been a frequent one. He first got an Ohio State offer back in March 2023 and has since visited multiple times. From checking out the Michigan State game in November to multiple visits this spring, including an official visit on June 14, Bell made his rounds. Despite a late official visit to USC, it was clear the Buckeyes made the stronger impression.
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Bell’s high school stats speak for themselves. As a junior, he hauled in 56 catches for 644 yards and seven touchdowns, playing a pivotal role in Mission Viejo’s CIF Division 1-AA and Southern Section Division 2 titles. His sophomore year was just as impressive with 73 catches for 818 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Phillip Bell III The Buckeye Recruiting Machine: With Bell’s commitment, Ohio State now has 26 total commitments for the 2025 class, including four wide receivers. He’ll be joining fellow four-stars Quincy Porter and De’Zie Jones, plus in-state three-star athlete Bodpegn Miller.
Quick Hits:
Phillip Bell III- Ohio State is already eyeing the future with a new offer sent out to 2026 WR Donovan Murph, who was on hand for the Akron game. Murph, a 6-foot-2 talent from South Carolina, is currently ranked as the No. 19 WR and No. 119 overall player by 247Sports.
Phillip Bell III- The Buckeyes also had a high-profile basketball visitor over the weekend. 2025 five-star combo guard Darryn Peterson, ranked No. 1 at his position and No. 3 overall, was in Columbus for an official visit. Adding him to the roster would be a huge win for new head coach Jake Diebler.
Stay tuned, Buckeye fans—this recruiting class is only getting stronger! 🌰💥
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