Ryan Day’s Ohio State just wrapped up the 2026 cycle ranked No. 4 nationally, according to 247Sports. Columbus has consistently secured top talent from across the country, and that has only been possible thanks to key behind-the-scenes playmakers. This recent update, however, will sting, as one of OSU’s recruiting geniuses is walking out the door.
On May 1, Letterman Row confirmed that Ohio State assistant director of recruiting strategy Nick Murphy is leaving the program. You might not have heard his name, but his fingerprints are everywhere. He arrived in 2022 and immediately became part of the Buckeyes’ recruiting backbone. Now, he’s moving on to opportunities outside of college football. While it’s good for him, the timing isn’t ideal for Ryan Day.
Ohio State is set to face one of its most critical stretches of the year in May and June with official visits, camps, and evaluations. This is when relationships either lock in or fall apart. And Nick Murphy was one of the guys making sure they locked in. Spend any time around the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, and you’d see him hosting recruits, connecting with families, and building trust. Just ask incoming RB Favour Akih, who didn’t forget who was there early…