Devin Sanchez, nation’s top 2025 CB, has Ohio State challenging for top spot on list

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Devin Sanchez, the nation’s top-ranked cornerback, returned to Columbus on Tuesday and caught a glimpse of Ohio State’s full court press on a top target. That extra attention made a big impact on the coveted corner. In his second visit, Sanchez was surrounded by Ohio State coaches from all angles, including cornerbacks coach Tim Walton, safeties coach Perry Eliano, defensive assistant Gerren DuHart, receivers coach Brian Hartline and head coach Ryan Day. He quickly realized that he is the guy they are after in 2025. “It’s just how hard they are coming for me and I feel it,” Sanchez told cleveland.com. “I feel how hard they are pushing to get me down here to Ohio. I actually feel like I’m that top dude on their list. Not just my position coach, but all the position coaches make me feel like I am that top dude.” Ohio State - who offered in January - has shown the love, and the feeling is mutual. Sitting at 32 offers, Sanchez has the Buckeyes right at the top of what figures to be another challenging battle that pits Ohio State against the South. “At the top,” Sanchez said, when asked where Ohio State is in his recruitment. “But it’s a hard race at the top. They are neck-and-neck. Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Texas are also heavy hitters that have built strong relationships, according to Sanchez. The five-star soaked in the sights and sounds of his visit. Some key advice from coaches helped strengthen his game, but he also got to spend some time with Hartline, who made it clear that iron sharpens iron. “They want their top DB going up against some NFL receivers that they have over here,” Sanchez said. “When I talked with Coach Hartline, he made me feel like I am that top DB that they want going up against some of these guys that they got coming in like Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss, Jeremiah Smith, and whatever top receiver comes in the class of 2025. They want that top dude and they make me feel like I am that top dude.” Hartline’s résumé is blinding. Recruits don’t need to be reminded. Even when they aren’t in his position group, they are well aware. “The goals that he has accomplished as a man and as a coach, that is just big-time,” Sanchez said. “All the receiver coaches want to get to where he is at.” Eliano and Walton’s combined résumé isn’t too shabby either, having coached NFL talent Coby Bryant, Sauce Gardner and Jalen Ramsey. Walton and Sanchez talk two or three times per week. They shared a private workout on Tuesday where Walton honed in on the talented Texan. “They know I can press and that I’m a press corner,” Sanchez said. “It’s just me working on my breaks and my off and stuff like that. That’s just what it’s been because everybody knows I go to Northshore, and we play man the whole game. But what they really want to work on is me playing that off end and sticking and staying square to routes and staying connected to his routes.” His connection with Eliano adds the element of a family-type feel. His uncle and Eliano were teammates together at Stephen F. Austin. The route jammer is well versed in DBU history, including OSU’s past sensational backs like Denzel Ward, Jeff Okudah and Antoine Winfield. “You just have to look at the history of people they have put out ... it’s just a rich tradition of DB’s and I would want to be a part of that,” Sanchez said. Day spent nearly 30 minutes scouting the corners. Sanchez’ time with the Buckeyes head coach continues to show him a closer look at who he is both on and off the field. “I feel like he is a real genuine coach,” Sanchez said. “If you have a goal, and you want to get to that goal, his job is to get you to where you want to be. I feel like the type of coach he is, he is going to get you there. That’s just the connections that he has, and with Ohio State behind him, that’s probably one of the top coaches in the country. If he wants to get you to that next level, I feel like he can get you to that next level.” His camp was a highlight reel as he disrupted routes and allowed just one catch on a slant. A showcase followed by important lessons. Hanging around the cornerbacks in team practice and studying their habits. How they move, how they cut, how they flow. It was business trip for the star out of Texas. Sanchez is the No. 1 CB and the No. 6 overall prospect in the 2025 class. He recorded 36 tackles, 18 pass breakups and four interceptions in a sophomore season that saw the Mustangs reach the Class 6A DI state championship game. At 6-foot-2, 170-pounds, he is lengthy and dangerous. A smooth flowing threat that trails his prey and has no problem talking a little trash in the process. “I’m a strong, fast, long and physical corner,’ Sanchez said. “I just like playing press and I like being in your face. I’m just an in-your-face kind of corner. I just want them to hear me. Make sure I disrupt that route and the quarterback can’t throw you the ball. I like frustrating dudes. If they can’t get the ball, that means I am doing my job.” His father, Daniel Sanchez, played cornerback at UTEP. Some days are hard for Sanchez, being the son of a football player. All for the goal of greatness. Both father and son know what needs to be done. “He has been tough on me,” Sanchez said. “He wants me to be the best I can be. Sometimes, as the son of somebody who played football kind of gets a little annoying. He just stays on you. I see what he is doing. He wants me to be that player and he wants me to get to the league. That’s my ultimate goal.” Sanchez plans on returning to Ohio State sometime in the fall for a game day visit. He also may try to sneak in one more trip to Columbus this summer. Getting him on campus for a third time is crucial for the Buckeyes chances of pulling him out of Texas. “He had a great time,” Daniel Sanchez told cleveland.com. “Coach Day and the staff have made a big impression on my son.”