buckeyes and nittany lions to visit top ot prospect adam guthrie
as the recruitment battles heat up for the class of 2025, the ohio state buckeyes and penn state nittany lions are making moves to secure one of the top offensive tackle (ot) prospects in the nation, adam guthrie. the 6-foot-7, 310-pound standout from lakewood high school in illinois has drawn significant attention for his size, skill, and football iq, and both big ten powerhouses are eager to make their case during upcoming visits.
guthrie’s rise to prominence guthrie’s junior season showcased his dominance on the field. his quick footwork, strong hands, and ability to protect the quarterback have made him a cornerstone for his high school team. recruiting analysts rave about his potential, noting his combination of physicality and agility, rare traits for someone of his size. he’s also displayed leadership qualities, earning the respect of teammates and coaches alike.
“adam is the kind of player every coach dreams of,” lakewood head coach tom sanders said. “he’s not just a physical force; he’s also incredibly smart and coachable. any program would be lucky to have him.”
the big ten connection ohio state and penn state are no strangers to battling over elite recruits, and guthrie’s recruitment is shaping up to be another classic duel. both programs have a history of developing top-tier offensive linemen who go on to excel in the nfl. the buckeyes’ offensive line coach justin frye and penn state’s phil traiwein have already had multiple conversations with guthrie, emphasizing their program’s commitment to his growth both on and off the field.
“ohio state has a great tradition of winning and developing players,” guthrie said in a recent interview. “but penn state has also impressed me with their family atmosphere and the way they’ve laid out their vision for my future. it’s a tough decision.”
upcoming visits both schools are expected to pull out all the stops during guthrie’s visits. ohio state will welcome him to columbus with a chance to meet head coach ryan day and experience the team’s facilities and culture. meanwhile, penn state’s visit to state college will include a deep dive into the nittany lions’ storied history and the opportunity to connect with head coach james franklin.
“the visits are going to be key,” recruiting analyst melissa perkins said. “both schools need to show not only why their football program is the best fit but also how they’ll help adam succeed academically and personally.”
what’s next for guthrie? guthrie has yet to set a timeline for his decision, but he’s expected to narrow down his options after his spring visits. with offers from other major programs like michigan, notre dame, and alabama, the buckeyes and nittany lions face stiff competition. still, their strong connections to the big ten and emphasis on development give them a significant edge.
“i’m looking for a place where i can grow as a player and a person,” guthrie said. “it’s about more than just football.”
as the recruitment of adam guthrie unfolds, all eyes will be on the buckeyes and nittany lions to see who can secure this elite talent. for now, the battle lines are drawn, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
