The focal point for Ryan Day and his staff on the recruiting trail might be 2020 prospects, but it’s never too early to start making additions to future classes. And on Friday, the Buckeyes got a big one.

Four-star wide receiver Jayden Ballard announced his commitment to Ohio State, becoming the third player in the 2021 cycle to give his verbal pledge. Ballard is a native of Massillon, Ohio and is ranked as one of the five-best players from the state.

Overall, Ballard is listed as the No. 125 player in the 2021 class and is the 22nd ranked receiver, per 247Sports’ composite rankings. He made his announcement with a short post on Twitter.

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“100% committed to The Ohio State University,” Ballard wrote.

Ballard is the second talented in-state prospect to commit in Ohio State’s 2021 class, joining five-star strong-side defensive end Jack Sawyer. Listed as the No. 2 overall prospect of the cycle, Sawyer is a native of Pickerington.

Ohio State’s third commit is Kyle McCord, a four-star pro-style quarterback, ranked as the No. 5 player at his position and 52nd overall. The Philadelphia product is the lone out-of-state player currently committed to the Buckeyes.

It’s still very early in the 2021 cycle, but Ohio State owns the third-best class nationally and first in the B1G.

The Buckeyes also added a commitment to their 2020 class on Friday, landing four-star cornerback Clark Phillips. Ohio State’s 2020 class ranks fifth nationally and first in the conference.