The recruitment for the class of 2028 is already picking up speed and Ohio State has made its presence felt early with one of the nation’s premier defensive backs.
Springfield, Tenn., five-star cornerback Jermaine Cobbins visited Columbus on Tuesday for a one-day camp with the Buckeyes and continued building his relationship with the coaching staff.
The 6-0, 180-pound recruit currently ranks as the No. 25 player nationally, No. 3 cornerback and No. 1 player in the state of Tennessee in the class of 2028, according to 247Sports Composite.
Cobbins said he relished the opportunity to learn from Ohio State cornerbacks coach Tim Walton and safeties coach Matt Guerrieri at the Buckeyes’ camp.
“I think today was great, getting coached by Coach OG and Coach G,” Cobbins told Buckeye Sports Bulletin.
Holding an offer from Ohio State since Nov. 19, 2025, Cobbins said the opportunity to learn from Walton — who has developed numerous NFL cornerbacks in his four years with the program — and Guerrieri was especially valuable.
Cobbins added that both coaches emphasized every detail during drills, placing a strong focus on the technical aspects of the position.
“Small details…(Walton and Guerrieri) are on those a lot,” he said. “You have to be on your Ps and Qs.”
On the field, Cobbins pairs his premium athleticism with a distinct competitive edge. He isn’t afraid to let opposing wide receivers know exactly what kind of day they are in for.
“I’m a physical player, I talk a lot of trash,” Cobbins said. “I’m just a player who says what he needs to say and plays how he needs to play.”
Cobbins made an immediate impact at Springfield, recording 48 tackles, two tackles for loss, five pass breakups, four interceptions and a fumble recovery as a freshman.
He followed that up with 41 tackles, a tackle for loss, a pass breakup, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception as a sophomore. Cobbins also was productive on offense in 2025, adding 41 catches for 852 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Even after two standout campaigns, Cobbins said he isn’t satisfied with his current skill set and is focused on refining his mechanics ahead of his junior season.
“Hip flipping, IQ, that can always be improved. So really, my whole game I can improve,” Cobbins said.
Cobbins still has a long way to go in a recruitment process that is only going to intensify, as Ohio State is just one stop on a packed summer itinerary for the five-star cornerback.
“I actually leave today and I head to Oregon,” Cobbins told BSB. “I leave Oregon, go to LSU. Then I go to Nebraska for seven-on-seven. Also, I just went to (Texas A&M) and I have Vanderbilt.”
With still two years of high school to go and a commitment not expected until next year, Cobbins remains set on exploring his options.
Though the Buckeyes have undoubtedly caught Cobbins’ attention, making Ohio State a program to watch closely as his recruitment progresses.
“I’m just getting around right now,” Cobbins said. “For sure, I’ll be back here.”
