​The Ohio State Buckeyes have widened their recruiting reach into California in recent years, a strategy that helped them secure five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. and former standout quarterback CJ Stroud. Now, Ohio State has its sights set on a prospect who could mirror Stroud, one who hails from the same general region Stroud called home. Stroud dominated the prep scene at Rancho Cucamonga High in California’s Inland Empire, an area that has since grown into a quarterback hot spot. Another quarterback from that region who drew interest from the Buckeyes early on was Jayden Daniels, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner from LSU, who attended Cajon High in San Bernardino and was offered by Ohio State at one time.
Today, Ohio State is emerging as the favorite to land this talented passer, though they must contend with Alabama and a late push from nearby Big Ten foe Oregon. Four-star quarterback in the class of 2028, Josiah Boyd, is coming into view as a potential future Buckeye. The 6-foot-4 dual-threat signals for Vista del Lago High School in Moreno Valley and is quickly becoming the most recruited quarterback and overall prospect in the history of his school. Vista del Lago opened its doors in September 2002 and is also the alma mater of former CBS actress Tristin Mays. Yet Boyd is shaping up as the program’s most coveted athlete to date, with Ohio State already prioritizing him and emerging as the early favorite.
According to On3/Rivals’ prediction machine, Ohio State holds a 51% chance of landing Boyd as of July 10. Still, head coach Ryan Day and his staff will have to fend off other major programs. National recruiting insider Adam Gorney of On3/Rivals recently provided an update on Boyd’s recruitment, noting Oregon’s rising interest as well. “Oregon and Ohio State have the edge in Boyd’s recruitment, but the Ducks could be sitting right at the top since he’s taken multiple visits there,” Gorney explained, pointing to Oregon defensive coordinator Dan Lanning’s efforts in the Inland Empire through strong connections like position coach Koa Ka’ai, who has already visited Moreno Valley and built a solid rapport.
This indicates Oregon and Ohio State appear to be shaping a competition for Boyd’s commitment, with Alabama and Kentucky—under the leadership of former Ducks offensive coordinator Will Stein—also in the mix. Oregon has been particularly aggressive as it seeks to replace dual-threat Dante Moore, a role that Boyd could mirror on the field with his own dynamic style. The Wildcats of Arizona State, which has moved to the Big 12, are another program in the mix for Boyd.
So, who does Gorney say is the team to beat? “Oregon should be the team to beat heading into his junior season. The comfort level is really high there,” he noted. Yet he also stressed that “the Buckeyes are in a strong position” and could present a compelling option, particularly given their track record of placing top quarterbacks in the NFL and their established pipeline to California. As the recruitment progresses, Ohio State’s ability to maintain momentum in the Inland Empire and convert interest into a formal offer and commitment will be critical, especially as Oregon continues to push and as other contenders weigh in.
In short, Ohio State is courting a high-profile California quarterback prospect who could become the next prominent passer in their program, with Josiah Boyd emerging as a central figure in the conversation. The race to land him features a competitive field that includes Oregon, Alabama, Kentucky, and others, making this recruitment one to watch as Boyd’s junior season unfolds and his decision draws closer.