The Ohio State Buckeyes have been one of the best recruiting machines over the last decade since Urban Meyer transformed their approach into a nationwide effort. Being able to draw in top athletes from across the country has led to two National Championships,

Ohio State does have a potential advantage: Cooper attends the same high school as former Buckeye and current star wideout Jeremiah Smith. Still, there is ground to make up, and the Buckeyes may ultimately need to circle back to other targets if Cooper chooses elsewhere.

Darius Gray, a five-star offensive lineman according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, has the Buckeyes in his top five. The list includes Clemson, LSU, South Carolina and Tennessee. Gray is the second-ranked interior offensive lineman in his class and the No. 28 player nationally.