Special Teams Coordinator Matt Barnes is recruiting Safety Xavier Nwankpa for the Ohio State Buckeye’s 2022 class and appears to have the upper hand on a number of college programs. Nwankpa is the 7th best safety in the country for 2022 and has offers from 23 schools including Ohio State, Iowa, Iowa State (where his dad played), LSU and Texas. Both Barnes and Kerry Coombs speak with him on a weekly basis. That constant contact has created a great relationship between the coaches and Nwankpa.

Ohio State 2022 Class

Ohio State is building the best class in the nation for the recruiting cycle after have a #2 class in 2021. Ryan Day and his coaches have been incredible effective brining top talent to Columbus Ohio from all across the country. And now Steve Lorenz from The Michigan Insider feels they are leading for the standout defensive back.

Several current commits have been active recruiting Nwankpa for the Buckeyes. Those involved include linebacker CJ Hicks, Dasan McCullough, and tight end Bennett Christian. Nwankpa comes from one of the better programs and is located right outside of Des Moines.

What Xavier Nwankpa Offers

Nwankpa, the best prospect in Iowa for 2022, at 6’3” and 190lbs offers the height and length that Kerry Coombs loves. He is able to make big hits while also covering man to man on the outside. He’s a long strider with great make-up speed, someone that could quickly make an impact on the college level. Plays a number of positions in high school.

Xavier Nwankpa Commit

Nwankpa plans to make a final decision in the Summer of 2021 and currently has a list of 12 finalist. He is unable to make visits due to Covid 19 restrictions at this time but has been meeting with recruiters on Zoom. He is looking for academics, a great winning culture, and relationships with the coaches and players.

Xavier Nwankpa on Ohio State recruiting, Quinn Ewers impact, relationship with Buckeyes and more

Xavier Nwankpa Commits to Iowa

This week Ohio State did not make the final cut for safety Xavier Nwankpa as he picked Iowa for this destination in 2022. Considered the 5th best safety in the class, Nwankpa selected to stay in town and go to the local program. OSU led for the recruit early, but the proximity of the school to his home and the ability of his family to visit game day, tilted the odds in the favor of the Hawkeyes.