Last week, Felix Ojo revealed that Ohio State and Texas are the two programs currently leading his recruitment.

Felix Ojo’s recruitment has steadily gained momentum over the past few months, and now, with his most recent comments, it’s clear which two programs have separated themselves from the rest. The talented prospect made headlines last week when he publicly acknowledged that Ohio State and Texas have emerged as his top two schools. That announcement, while succinct, has generated considerable buzz across the college football landscape. In a recruiting cycle filled with speculation and movement, Ojo’s revelation offers clarity — and for fans of both powerhouse programs, it sparks hope, excitement, and maybe even some anxiety.

For Ohio State, being in the final two for a recruit like Ojo is a testament to the program’s continued dominance on the national stage. Year after year, the Buckeyes remain one of the premier destinations for elite talent, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Ojo, a versatile player who has shown tremendous upside with his athleticism, instincts, and ability to make plays at all levels of the field, fits the mold of the modern Big Ten defender. His speed, awareness, and physicality have drawn comparisons to some of the top names who have come through Columbus in recent years. It’s no surprise that Ohio State has made him a priority.

Recruiting is not just about what a player sees in a program, though. It’s also about relationships. And Ohio State has done a remarkable job in building trust and rapport with Ojo and his family. Sources close to his recruitment have indicated that the Buckeye coaching staff, especially those on the defensive side, have remained in frequent contact, laying out not just a vision for how Ojo would fit into the scheme but also how he’d be developed on and off the field. This holistic approach has resonated deeply with the young recruit.

Texas, on the other hand, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Under the leadership of Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have rebuilt their recruiting momentum, aiming to once again become the dominant force in college football that they were in the early 2000s. The move to the SEC has only intensified their recruiting pitch, as Texas now offers the opportunity for top players to compete in the most competitive conference in the nation while still representing one of the biggest brands in the sport. For a player like Ojo, the appeal is obvious. He’d be playing against elite competition, under bright lights, and in front of a massive fan base that lives and breathes football.

The Longhorns have also emphasized relationships in their pursuit of Ojo. Multiple members of the coaching staff have gone all-in on his recruitment, ensuring he feels like a top priority every step of the way. They’ve invited him to key visits, included him in private film sessions, and even gone out of their way to connect with his high school coaches and mentors. Texas isn’t just selling a football program — they’re selling a family atmosphere, an education, and a long-term investment in Ojo’s growth as a player and a person.

It’s rare to see a player so evenly torn between two options, but that seems to be the case here. For Ojo, the decision could ultimately come down to subtle factors that aren’t always easy to measure: where he feels most comfortable, where he sees himself thriving both athletically and academically, and where the culture feels most authentic. Both Ohio State and Texas have compelling cases to make. Both have sent players to the NFL, both have developed all-conference talent, and both offer resources that rival any program in the country.

Geography may also play a role, although it’s unclear how much of a factor it will be in the end. Ohio State would represent a move to the Midwest, with colder weather and a football-first culture rooted in decades of tradition. Columbus is a city that lives for Buckeye football, and playing there means being part of a legacy that includes national championships and Heisman winners. Texas, by contrast, offers the chance to stay in the southern part of the country, with warmer weather and a deeply passionate fanbase that fills massive stadiums and follows every move of its athletes. The university also boasts a booming NIL environment, something that’s become increasingly important in modern recruiting.

NIL — or name, image, and likeness — is a crucial piece of the puzzle in this recruitment, as it is in nearly every top-tier decision nowadays. Both Ohio State and Texas are major players in the NIL space, with robust collectives and alumni support that allow players to maximize their marketability while still in college. Ojo is aware of the opportunities that await him at either school, and while he’s not believed to be basing his entire decision on NIL, it’s certainly a factor that cannot be ignored.

There’s also the matter of playing time. Ojo is expected to be an early contributor wherever he goes. He’s that talented, and both Ohio State and Texas have made it clear that he won’t be buried on the depth chart. But the path to the field might look slightly different depending on where he lands. Ohio State, for instance, is always loaded with talent at every position, and while that raises the level of competition in practice, it can sometimes delay a player’s breakout unless they absolutely dominate early on. Texas, while also loaded with talent, may offer a slightly quicker path to starting reps depending on positional needs and scheme fit.

Whichever program lands Ojo will be gaining more than just a player. They’ll be getting a driven, intelligent, and highly coachable athlete who brings energy and discipline to everything he does. Coaches who have worked with Ojo praise his film study habits, his leadership qualities, and his relentless work ethic. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t shy away from competition — he embraces it. That’s why this recruiting battle has become so compelling. It’s not just about landing a four-star prospect; it’s about landing a cornerstone player who can elevate an entire defense.

Ojo’s timeline for making a final decision remains unclear, but there’s a sense that he won’t wait until signing day. He’s expected to take additional visits, possibly return to both Columbus and Austin one more time, and spend time with his inner circle weighing the pros and cons of each option. He’s not rushing the process, and that’s commendable. In an era where social media and public pressure can speed up timelines and cloud judgment, Ojo has remained measured and focused. He’s not looking for flash — he’s looking for fit.

Recruiting battles like this one often come down to the smallest margins. A single conversation with a coach, a visit that leaves a lasting impression, or a moment of clarity during a quiet weekend at home can swing the momentum one way or the other. For now, both Ohio State and Texas are neck and neck, each confident in their ability to land one of the most coveted defenders in the country.

As the recruiting world waits for Ojo’s final decision, fans from both schools will continue to monitor every hint and every interview. The excitement is palpable, and the stakes are high. For a player like Ojo, the choice will shape not just the next three or four years of his life, but potentially his entire future. And for Ohio State and Texas, landing him would be yet another massive recruiting win in a sport where talent acquisition is the ultimate arms race.

In the end, whether it’s the Buckeyes or the Longhorns, one of these two programs will soon be celebrating the commitment of a game-changing player. The other will have to regroup and focus on other targets. But the story of Felix Ojo’s recruitment is already a memorable one — a testament to what makes college football so captivating: the passion, the pursuit, and the promise of what’s to come.