Is Four-Star Back Isaiah West a rising star for the Ohio State Buckeyes?

According to the On3 team recruiting rankings, the Ohio State Buckeyes presently have the best recruiting class in the country.

And things could soon be improving in that class.

Four-star running back Isaiah West of St. Joseph’s (Philadelphia, PA), who recently reopened his recruitment, is leaning toward committing to the Ohio State University, according to On3 national recruiting analyst Steve Wiltfong.

The announcement was made soon after West visited Columbus over the weekend, which led Wiltfong to select Ohio State as West’s recruiting prediction machine pick.

April 13, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Quinshon Judkins (1) runs the

Quinshon Judkins (1), running back for the Ohio State Buckeyes, runs the / Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch on April 13, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio, USA.

Regarding his trip to Columbus, West told On3 that “it was great.” “Everyone had a fantastic time.”

In addition, West will make an official trip to Columbus from June 14–16. The previous weekend, he will travel to Kentucky in the same capacity.

And for West, Ohio State’s reputation for excellence and tradition may make all the difference in his choice.

“First and foremost just the tradition at Ohio State,” West stated. “You can see why they’re among the best in college football—they always aim for perfection.” They take great satisfaction in the fact that there is a winner and a loser. There is a fraternity present. It brought me back to where I am at the moment.

West believes he would get along well with Chip Kelly, the new defensive coordinator, and Carlos Locklyn, the new running back coach at Ohio State.

West declared, “I think Coach Lock is an amazing coach.” “Coach Chip Kelly is a wizard when it comes to offensive scheme, especially with the new offensive coordinator.” I’m thrilled about that and believe I’ll fit right in.

Right now, the only recruiting site that rates West as a four-star prospect is 247 Sports, which also ranks him as the No. 205 player in the country, No. 11 running back, and No. 6 player in Pennsylvania. According to On3, ESPN, and Rivals.com, West is a three-star prospect.

With 10 touchdowns and 861 yards from scrimmage last season as a junior, West helped lead St. Joseph’s to a 6A state championship.