โ In a major recruiting victory that has sent shockwaves across the college football landscape, the nationโs No. 1 high school football player, five-star quarterback Jayden โJetโ Matthews, has officially committed to Ohio State University, turning down offers from Tennessee, BYU, and Auburn.
Matthews, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound dual-threat phenom from Allen, Texas, made the announcement during a nationally televised segment on ESPN, surrounded by family, teammates, and his high school coach. Donning a scarlet Buckeyes cap, Matthews declared, โThis has been a tough decision, but I feel like Ohio State gives me the best opportunity to grow as a player and a person. Iโm ready to chase championships in Columbus.โ
Widely regarded as a generational talent, Matthews threw for 4,372 yards and 48 touchdowns while rushing for another 1,102 yards and 19 scores during his senior season. Recruiting services have praised his arm strength, poise under pressure, and football IQ, drawing comparisons to past Buckeye greats like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day responded to the commitment with enthusiasm: โJayden is a game-changer. Heโs the kind of player that elevates everyone around him. Weโre building something special here, and his commitment solidifies our direction.โ
The decision ends a recruiting saga that had been closely watched for months. Tennessee had made a late push, emphasizing its revamped offense and NIL opportunities. Auburn offered Matthews a clear path to start as a freshman. BYU, the surprise finalist, had impressed the Matthews family with its academic offerings and strong quarterback development history. But in the end, it was Ohio Stateโs consistent success, elite receiver room, and pro-style system that sealed the deal.
Social media erupted moments after the announcement, with Buckeye Nation celebrating the addition of their newest star. โWelcome to The Brotherhood, Jet!โ tweeted OSU All-American wide receiver Malik Anderson.
Matthews is expected to enroll early in January 2026 and compete for the starting role in spring camp. With the Buckeyes already boasting the nationโs No. 2 recruiting class, his commitment could push them to the top spot โ and set the stage for a national title run in the years to come.
โJet is flying to Columbus,โ one ESPN analyst joked. โAnd the Big Ten just got a lot scarier.โ
