Top Midwest Prospects Explain Why Ohio State is WRU

The debate over which college football program deserves the title of “WRU”—Wide Receiver University—is one that rages year after year. But if you ask the top high school wide receivers in the Midwest, there’s little hesitation. For them, Ohio State stands above the rest.

With an elite blend of on-field production, NFL development, and the magnetic presence of wide receivers coach Brian Hartline, the Buckeyes have transformed into a factory for producing elite talent on the outside. As the 2025 recruiting cycle intensifies, a growing list of top regional wideouts are pointing to Columbus as the ultimate destination for any player with dreams of college stardom and professional glory.

In exclusive conversations with several top-ranked prospects from Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, the consensus is clear: Ohio State is WRU, and they’re building something special.

A Tradition of Excellence: Why It Matters

To understand Ohio State’s allure for pass-catchers, one must look at both recent history and long-term legacy. From Cris Carter and Terry Glenn to Michael Thomas and Curtis Samuel, the Buckeyes have long produced dynamic receivers. But it’s in the last half-decade that their claim to WRU has become undeniable.

The names speak for themselves: Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jameson Williams, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Emeka Egbuka. Each one became a star in Columbus, each one became a first-round NFL Draft pick (or projects as one), and each one left a trail of dominant performances in their wake.

This track record isn’t lost on the next generation.

No. 1 WR in Illinois: “It’s All About the Development”

Evan Jackson, the top-ranked receiver in Illinois’ 2025 class and a consensus four-star prospect from Chicago’s Simeon Career Academy, is one of many elite Midwest pass-catchers eyeing Ohio State closely. Jackson, who holds offers from Michigan, Penn State, and Notre Dame, says there’s just something different about the Buckeyes.

“When you look at what they’re doing, it’s insane,” Jackson said. “They’re not just putting guys in the league—they’re putting dudes who are ready. Like, Marvin Harrison Jr. is already being talked about as one of the best receivers in the NFL and he hasn’t played a down yet. That says a lot.”

Jackson credits Brian Hartline’s development approach and attention to detail as the biggest draw.

“Coach Hartline played in the league, and you can tell he teaches us from that lens,” he said. “Every drill, every rep—it’s about translating to Sundays.”

Indiana’s Breakout Star: “They Treat Wideouts Like QBs”

For Jayden Coleman, a rising star from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and another top-150 national recruit, it’s the system and philosophy at Ohio State that stand out.

“A lot of schools are run-heavy or use receivers as decoys,” Coleman said. “But at Ohio State, you’re the main weapon. They scheme you open. It’s like being a quarterback but at wide receiver.”

Coleman also praised Hartline’s ability to maintain a culture of competition without letting egos get in the way.

“You’ve got five-stars battling each other every year, but somehow they all get better and still make plays. That’s the kind of room I want to be in.”

Ohio’s Own: Loyalty and Legacy

It’s not just out-of-state talent taking notice. Within Ohio’s borders, top prospects like Springfield’s Tre Maddox—a speedy, 6-foot-1 receiver ranked in the top 5 statewide—are viewing the Buckeyes as the ultimate platform.

“Growing up in Ohio, it’s always been about the Buckeyes,” Maddox said. “But now it’s different. Now it’s like, if you’re a WR and you don’t want to go to Ohio State, people look at you sideways.”

Maddox said he’s dreamed of donning scarlet and gray for years but admits the recent NFL pipeline has given him even more motivation.

“When you see a guy like Garrett Wilson doing what he’s doing with the Jets, it just makes you want to be next.”

Brian Hartline: The Architect Behind WRU

No conversation about Ohio State’s wide receiver dominance is complete without mentioning Brian Hartline. The former Buckeye standout and longtime NFL vet has become one of the most respected position coaches in college football.

Under Hartline’s guidance, the Buckeyes’ receiver room has transformed into a masterclass in route running, separation, and technique. But it’s his recruiting magic that makes the biggest headlines.

According to multiple recruits, Hartline’s authenticity and football acumen are unmatched.

“He doesn’t sugarcoat anything,” said Jackson. “He tells you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear—and that’s what I respect most.”

Hartline’s presence has helped Ohio State land the No. 1 wide receiver class in multiple years, and he shows no signs of slowing down.

Marvin Harrison Jr.: The Blueprint

While the pipeline of stars is long, no single player has come to define the WRU moniker quite like Marvin Harrison Jr. The son of a Hall of Famer, Harrison turned heads with his freakish work ethic, surgical route-running, and ability to dominate every level of the field.

He didn’t just live up to the hype—he surpassed it.

His time at Ohio State set a new bar for what it means to be a complete receiver, and his draft stock soared to the top three in 2024. For recruits, Harrison is both inspiration and standard.

“I watch Marvin’s tape every week,” said Coleman. “If I could model my game after anyone, it’d be him. That’s the kind of impact Hartline has—he creates stars.”

A National Brand, Rooted in the Midwest

Despite recruiting nationally, Ohio State continues to be a powerhouse in the Midwest. The Buckeyes’ ability to dominate their region while also pulling talent from Florida, Texas, and California gives them unmatched reach.

That blend of local loyalty and national allure is exactly why the WRU label resonates with so many regional prospects.

“They’ve got dudes from Georgia and Cali, but they don’t forget about the Midwest,” said Maddox. “That balance is rare.”

And it’s paying off. The Buckeyes’ 2024 class included four receivers ranked in the top 100 nationally, including Midwest standouts and southern speedsters alike.

How the System Sets Them Apart

One reason for Ohio State’s WR success is the offensive system. Ryan Day’s playbook is built to feature multiple receivers with NFL-style route trees, pre-snap motion, and full-field reads.

Unlike some spread systems that inflate stats with quick screens and bubble routes, Ohio State’s passing game prepares receivers for pro-style play.

“You have to actually learn the game there,” said Coleman. “They ask a lot of their wideouts—coverage reads, adjustments, everything. But that’s why they’re NFL-ready.”

NFL Validation: The Ultimate Recruiting Tool

There’s no better validation of a program’s success than the NFL Draft. In the past five years, Ohio State has sent more wide receivers to the NFL than nearly any other program—and they’ve thrived.

Garrett Wilson: 2022 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
Chris Olave: Immediate impact with the New Orleans Saints
Jameson Williams: (Transferred but developed under Hartline before breakout)
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: 2023 first-round pick by the Seahawks
Marvin Harrison Jr.: Projected top-5 NFL star before rookie snap

This track record speaks louder than any sales pitch.

“You want to know what WRU means? Look at Sundays,” said Jackson. “That’s all the proof you need.”

What Comes Next: 2025 Recruiting and Beyond

The Buckeyes are already making waves in the 2025 recruiting cycle, with crystal ball projections pointing to several top receivers potentially heading to Columbus. That list includes:

Evan Jackson (IL) – 4-star WR, top-100 national player
Jayden Coleman (IN) – Top 10 WR prospect nationally
Tre Maddox (OH) – Ohio’s top speed threat

And more are visiting, considering, and communicating with the Buckeye staff every week. The WRU pipeline isn’t slowing—it’s accelerating.

Competitors Acknowledge the Gap

Even rival coaches and programs—though loath to admit it—recognize Ohio State’s dominance at the wide receiver position. Michigan, Penn State, and Notre Dame continue to recruit hard in the Midwest, but few can match the results or NFL pipeline the Buckeyes offer.

“We’re chasing them,” admitted one Big Ten assistant anonymously. “Their WR room is the gold standard right now.”

WRU and the Buckeye Standard

While debates over WRU may continue among fans and media, for top Midwest recruits, the answer is clear. Ohio State is the destination. The brand, the coaching, the system, and the results have built a culture where elite wide receivers thrive—and where the next great one is always on deck.

As the 2025 cycle unfolds, expect even more top regional talent to follow the path of Wilson, Olave, and Harrison—straight to Columbus.