The Ohio State Buckeyes are expected to lose quarterback Julian Sayin to the NFL draft after next season, which is why they're already eyeing his potential future replacement.
While OSU could easily look in-house for Sayin's successor in 2027 with freshman Tavien St. Clair, a five-star passer who was the No. 4-ranked player nationally in the class of 2025 according to 247Sports, or backups Eli Brickhandler or Mason Maggs, the team presumably wants options.
So it should come as no surprise that it was reported by Allen Trieu of Rivals that the Buckeyes are targeting four-star Nebraska QB commit Trae Taylor.
"Taylor's camp tells Rivals the Buckeyes were recently at Mundelein (Ill.) Carmel Catholic to see him," Trieu wrote. "Quarterbacks coach Billy Fessler was in. There have also been conversations with head coach Ryan Day. Day's son R.J. has been playing in OT7 events, which Taylor has also played in, allowing Day and his staff to get extended looks at Taylor."
Taylor, the No. 1-ranked recruit in the state of Nebraska and the No. 3 QB and 37 overall recruit in the class of 2027, committed to Nebraska on May 1, 2025, and while he's open to speaking with other programs, his father J.R. Taylor reiterated that's about as far as his son is willing to go.
"Trae has been very clear with them (Ohio State) that he is not taking any other visits," J.R. stated.
Added Trieu: "He did confirm that the Buckeyes are actively pursuing his son and that he is a high priority target for them. The family also communicated with Nebraska immediately upon finding out the Buckeyes would be coming into the school and have been transparent with the staff. Nebraska also was at Carmel Catholic recently."
Keeping Taylor from flipping his commitment would be a big win for the Cornhuskers, who lost former five-star QB Dylan Raiola to Oregon via the transfer portal this offseason.
Freshman T.J Lateef is expected to succeed Railoa as Nebraska's QB1 next season, but Taylor could push him for the starting job the following year.
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