Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is never interested in rebuilding his team. He is compelled to reload, and the Buckeyes have taken steps to bringing edge rusher Dylan Stewart to Columbus.

There's no such thing as an off year for a college football powerhouse like Ohio State when it comes to recruiting. The Buckeyes are in a battle with Big Ten opponents like Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State and Iowa for top prep football players, but the the battle doesn't stop there. They must also contend with Alabama, Georgia, Clemson and Oklahoma on the national level.

There's still a long way to go before the Buckeyes land Stewart, but the 5-star recruit has already developed a positive relationship with defensive line coach Larry Johnson Sr., and that could be a strong indicator that hewill eventually choose to enroll at Ohio State and play for the Buckeyes.

Stewart is also quite interested in South Carolina and other schools could get into the fray, but the Buckeyes are very close to the top of the list.

“It was eye opening for me,” Stewart said to On3's Chad Simmons. “The opportunities for me on and off the field at Ohio State are great.”

Stewart is playing his prep football at Friendship Academy in Washington D.C. He is a 6-5, 235-pound defensive end who excels as a pass rusher and against the run. He is the second-ranked edge rusher in the nation and the No. 10 overall recruit.

Stewart will play his senior season at Friendship and will be eligible to play college football in the fall of 2024.