Ohio State Loses Recruiting Battle for 4-Star QB Champ Monds
The Ohio State Buckeyes 2027 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the best in college football. With 11 commitments, they rank second in the Big Ten and fifth in the nation, according to Rivals.
They were in a position to make another big splash. Quarterback Champ Monds was set to announce his commitment decision on Friday. He was choosing between the Buckeyes, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and Florida State Seminoles.
Ohio State had been doing its due diligence throughout the recruiting process. They'd hosted the signal caller for four unofficial visits, with the most recent on April 4.
He was limited to just five games last season for Vero Beach High School. As a freshman, though, he threw for 2,234 yards, 23 touchdowns, five interceptions and a 113.9 quarterback rating. He also rushed for 502 yards and nine touchdowns.
Unfortunately for the Buckeyes, they didn't come out on top. While on "The Pat McAfee Show," Monds announced his commitment to the Fighting Irish.
"I feel like Notre Dame has everything you can think of when it comes to academics, people in the coaching staff," Monds said. "Just overall, I feel like this is the best fit for me and my parents. We all sat down, probably one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make."
"I feel like Notre Dame has everything and this is the best fit for me" ~ @champmonds#PMSLivehttps://t.co/C5hzQMozPNpic.twitter.com/H0ijZ4HeCO
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 1, 2026
It's a big loss for Ohio State, but an exciting addition for Notre Dame. Monds is a four-star recruit, the No. 22 quarterback and the No. 288 player in the nation, per Rivals Industry Rankings. He was originally part of the 2028 cycle, but reclassified to enroll in college a year earlier.
Despite Monds out of the picture, the Buckeyes aren't left completely high and dry at quarterback, already landing four-star Brady Edmunds. They also have an offer out to three-star quarterback Caden Jones.
Related: USC 'Recruiting Hard' for No. 3 QB Josiah Boyd Amid Growing Competition
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This story was originally published May 1, 2026 at 1:46 PM.