#BOOM Florida running back Elijah Newman-Hall has pledged to Ohio State, becoming the Buckeyes’ first commit of the 2028 recruiting class.

Elijah Newman-Hall, a dynamic and highly coveted running back out of Florida, has officially committed to Ohio State, giving the Buckeyes their first pledge of the 2028 recruiting cycle. His decision not only marks the start of what is shaping up to be another elite class for the Buckeyes but also signals the continuation of Ohio State’s success in securing top-tier talent from the fertile recruiting grounds of the Southeast.

Newman-Hall’s announcement sent waves through the college football recruiting world. The Buckeyes, a perennial powerhouse in both the Big Ten and on the national stage, have consistently set the standard for recruiting excellence. Landing a player of Newman-Hall’s caliber as the first commitment in the 2028 class is a statement of intent from head coach Ryan Day and his staff as they look to keep the Buckeyes at the forefront of the national championship conversation for years to come.

Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing in at 205 pounds, Newman-Hall blends size, speed, and vision in a way that has made him one of the most sought-after prospects in his class. He’s a back who can break away for a touchdown on any given play, whether it’s by bursting through the line of scrimmage with power or by bouncing a run to the outside and outrunning defenders down the sideline. His junior season at his high school in Florida showcased his full array of talents. He rushed for over 1,800 yards and tallied 24 touchdowns, earning first-team All-State honors and cementing his status as one of the premier backs in the nation.

For Ohio State, Newman-Hall represents more than just an elite football talent. He embodies the type of player the Buckeyes covet: one who pairs athletic excellence with strong character and leadership. Coaches and scouts alike have praised his work ethic, humility, and commitment to his teammates. Off the field, he is known for his dedication in the classroom and his involvement in community service initiatives in his hometown. These qualities made him an ideal target for the Buckeyes, who place a premium on building a program with high-character individuals.

Newman-Hall’s recruitment was fiercely contested. Programs from across the country, including SEC heavyweights like Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, as well as traditional powers like Michigan, USC, and Notre Dame, made strong pushes for his commitment. His choice of Ohio State over these other top-tier programs highlights the strength of the Buckeyes’ recruiting machine and their ability to appeal to players nationally, not just in the Midwest.

Central to Newman-Hall’s decision was the relationship he built with Ohio State’s coaching staff. Running backs coach Tony Alford, widely regarded as one of the best recruiters and position coaches in the country, played a pivotal role. Alford’s track record of developing NFL-caliber running backs and his genuine approach in connecting with players and their families resonated deeply with Newman-Hall and his support system. Likewise, Ryan Day’s vision for the program, his offensive philosophy, and his commitment to competing for championships year in and year out were major factors that helped seal the deal.

Newman-Hall visited Columbus multiple times during his recruitment process, and each trip helped solidify his comfort level with the Buckeyes. From touring the facilities at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center to spending time with current players and staff, Newman-Hall came away impressed by Ohio State’s commitment to excellence in every aspect of the program. He spoke glowingly about the atmosphere within the team and how it felt like a family environment, something that was important to him as he weighed his options.

For Ohio State fans, Newman-Hall’s commitment is cause for celebration. The Buckeyes have long prided themselves on fielding explosive offenses, and the addition of a back with his skill set ensures that the tradition will continue. His ability to contribute as both a runner and a receiver out of the backfield fits perfectly into Ohio State’s modern offensive schemes, which value versatility and playmaking ability. It’s easy to envision Newman-Hall becoming a key piece in the Buckeyes’ offensive arsenal from the moment he arrives on campus.

Moreover, his early commitment provides momentum for Ohio State’s 2028 recruiting class. Having a cornerstone player on board this early allows the coaching staff to build around him and potentially attract other elite prospects who want to play alongside someone of Newman-Hall’s stature. Often in recruiting, a big-name pledge can serve as a magnet, drawing attention and interest from other top players who see an opportunity to be part of something special.

From a strategic standpoint, Ohio State’s success in landing Newman-Hall underscores the program’s ability to continue recruiting nationally and to make inroads into states that are typically dominated by SEC programs. Florida, in particular, has been a critical battleground in recent years. While the Gators, Seminoles, and Hurricanes have traditionally tried to keep top talent at home, the Buckeyes have had notable success in pulling elite players out of the Sunshine State. Newman-Hall joins a growing list of Florida stars who have chosen to take their talents to Columbus, following in the footsteps of players like TreVeyon Henderson, Shaun Wade, and others who left their home state to pursue championships with Ohio State.

For Newman-Hall, the decision to commit early also reflects his desire to focus on his senior season without the distractions that often come with an ongoing recruitment. By pledging to Ohio State now, he can direct his energy toward helping his high school team pursue a state championship while also preparing himself for the transition to college football. He has expressed his excitement about the opportunity to enroll early, a move that would allow him to participate in spring practice and begin learning the Buckeyes’ system ahead of his freshman campaign.

The reaction to his commitment has been swift and enthusiastic. Ohio State fans, always passionate and engaged, have flooded social media with messages of support and excitement. Recruiting analysts have noted that securing a player of Newman-Hall’s caliber as the first member of the 2028 class sets a strong tone and positions Ohio State well as they pursue other top targets.

Looking ahead, Newman-Hall’s pledge will be one to monitor as the Buckeyes continue to build their class. Recruiting is a fluid process, and while his commitment is solid, other programs are unlikely to stop pursuing him. That said, Newman-Hall has consistently emphasized his trust in the Ohio State staff and his belief that Columbus is the right place for him to grow both as a player and as a person.

In sum, Elijah Newman-Hall’s decision to commit to Ohio State represents a significant recruiting win for the Buckeyes and a promising start to their 2028 class. His combination of talent, character, and leadership make him an ideal fit for what Ohio State strives to represent. As the recruiting cycle unfolds, his presence in the class will no doubt continue to resonate, helping to shape the Buckeyes’ future and keeping the program firmly in the national spotlight. His story is just beginning, but already, it’s one that Ohio State fans can be excited about as they look ahead to the next chapter of Buckeye football.