Malik Hartford, 4-star DB, commits to Ohio State football: Buckeyes Recruiting

WEST CHESTER TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Malik Hartford of Lakota West High School has committed to the Ohio State football program as it continues to build its 2023 class.

The four-star prospect is the nation’s No. 146 player and No. 11 safety in what is expected to be a major cycle for the position group. He chose the Buckeyes over 24 other schools, with Cincinnati, Kentucky, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame and West Virginia also Emerging as favorites.

Adding Hartford to the class continues the Buckeyes’ in-state recruiting dominance in with three of Ohio’s top four players staying home. The only player to go elsewhere is defensive lineman Brenan Vernon choosing Notre Dame. Other potential in-state additions include Offensive lineman Austin Siereveld and linebacker Arvell Reese.

Harford gives OSU two safety commits joining Cedrick Hawkins – who made his first post-commitment visit last Saturday – and is the first to do so following the hiring of Perry Eliano away from Cincinnati. He’s the first top 200 Recruit Eliano’s ever Landed.

The addition gives the class six commits worth 133.55 points, moving them past Baylor for the nation’s seventh-best class. Penn State is the only Big Ten team with a higher-rated class – fifth – although the Buckeyes’ have a better average star rating, 93.35-90.60.

Here’s a look at OSU’s 2023 recruiting class:

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