SEC Number 1 TE Flips Commitment to Ohio State After…
SEC Number 1 TE Flips Commitment to Ohio State After Late-Night Meeting with Ryan Day
For months, Parker Whitman, the top tight end in the SEC recruiting class, had been locked in with Georgia. His physicality and elite route-running made him a perfect fit for the Bulldogs’ pro-style offense. But in the fast-paced world of college football recruiting, nothing is ever truly final.
Late one night, just days before National Signing Day, Whitman sat in his family’s living room in Nashville, his phone buzzing with an unexpected call. It was Ohio State head coach Ryan Day.
“Parker,” Day said, his voice calm but purposeful, “we need you in Columbus.”
Whitman had heard the pitch before. Ohio State had been in his top three before he committed to Georgia, but he’d shut down his recruitment months ago. He almost dismissed the call as a last-ditch effort—until Day said something that made him pause.
“I know you see what we’ve done with our tight ends. We don’t just use them to block—we make them stars,” Day continued. “Come here, and you’ll be an NFL first-rounder.”
It wasn’t just words. Whitman had watched Cade Stover become a key part of Ohio State’s offense. The idea of playing in a system where he could showcase both his blocking and receiving skills intrigued him.
Still, flipping on Georgia, the reigning powerhouse of the SEC, wasn’t an easy decision. He had built relationships with Kirby Smart’s staff, and they’d treated him like family. But as he lay in bed that night, he couldn’t shake the feeling that Ohio State was where he truly belonged.
By the next morning, the news had broken. “Parker Whitman Flips Commitment to Ohio State!” Social media exploded. Georgia fans fumed. Ohio State fans celebrated.
When asked about his decision, Whitman kept it simple. “Something just clicked. I want to be part of a program that makes tight ends a focal point. Coach Day showed me a vision I couldn’t ignore.”
And with that, the Buckeyes had landed their n
ext star tight end.