Five-Star Cornerback Havon Finney Jr. Visits the Ohio State Buckeyes: “They Will Undoubtedly Be at the Top of My List”

Havon Finney Jr., one of the most highly sought-after cornerbacks in the 2026 recruiting class, has already begun to make waves in the world of college football recruiting. Known for his elite athleticism, physicality, and high football IQ, Finney’s decision-making process in choosing his future college home is a critical one, not just for him but for the programs in the race for his commitment. Recently, Finney visited the Ohio State Buckeyes, a school that has always been a major player in his recruitment. The visit has only served to bolster his interest in the Buckeyes, leaving fans, coaches, and analysts alike eager to see how his recruitment unfolds.

With an impressive list of scholarship offers from schools across the country, including powerhouses like USC, LSU, Georgia, Texas A&M, Penn State, and Texas, Finney is in a position to make a massive impact on whichever program he decides to commit to. But it’s Ohio State that is currently making a strong case for his services. In his own words, Finney has made it clear: “They will undoubtedly be at the top of my list,” signaling that the Buckeyes are firmly in the mix to land one of the top recruits in the nation.

Early Life and Development of a Star Cornerback

Before becoming one of the top defensive prospects in the country, Havon Finney Jr. honed his craft in California, a state known for producing some of the best football talent in the nation. Growing up, Finney was an athletic standout in multiple sports, but it was football that ultimately captured his attention and showed him where his future lay. By the time he reached high school at Sierra Canyon in Chatsworth, California, it was clear that Finney was destined for greatness.

Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 170 pounds, Finney possesses the ideal combination of size and athleticism that every major college program covets in a cornerback. He is a long, fluid athlete with the agility to mirror receivers down the field and the physicality to jam them at the line of scrimmage. But it’s not just his physical attributes that have earned him five-star status; it’s his football intelligence. Finney has a natural feel for the game, often putting himself in the right position to make plays and showing an advanced understanding of the intricacies of defensive back play.

His high school career has been nothing short of stellar. As a sophomore, Finney tallied 37 tackles, four interceptions, two punt return touchdowns, and forced a fumble. These numbers alone demonstrate his playmaking ability, but what stands out most is his versatility. Whether playing in man or zone coverage, Finney has excelled in both, and he has shown the ability to contribute on special teams as well. His well-rounded game makes him an ideal fit for any defensive scheme, and it’s why programs across the country have been eager to get him on their rosters.

The Decision to Reclassify and Accelerate Recruitment

Originally part of the 2027 recruiting class, Finney made a surprising decision to reclassify to the 2026 class, accelerating his path toward college football. This decision, though it may have seemed sudden to some, was a move that made sense given Finney’s exceptional talent and readiness to play at the next level. Reclassifying allowed him to engage in the recruiting process earlier, and it placed him in a position to be evaluated as one of the top prospects in his new class.

Since reclassifying, Finney has been a highly coveted recruit, with programs across the country eager to make their pitch. It also put a sense of urgency into his recruitment, as he would be able to start his college career earlier than expected. Finney’s decision to reclassify speaks to his level of confidence in his abilities and his desire to take his game to the next level as quickly as possible. It’s also an indication that he’s fully committed to making a major impact at the collegiate level, starting as early as possible.

Ohio State: A Historic Powerhouse

As one of the premier programs in the nation, Ohio State is a consistent contender for both Big Ten championships and national titles. The Buckeyes have developed a reputation for producing elite talent, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. For years, Ohio State has been a breeding ground for NFL-caliber defensive backs, with players like Denzel Ward, Marshon Lattimore, and Jeff Okudah making an indelible mark at the next level. It’s no surprise that Finney has expressed a strong interest in the Buckeyes—this is a program that has built a legacy of success at his position.

Under head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State has continued its dominance on the recruiting trail, landing some of the top recruits year after year. The Buckeyes have consistently produced high-caliber defensive players, and their defense is consistently one of the toughest in the nation. With defensive backs coach Tim Walton at the helm of the secondary, Ohio State has continued to produce NFL-ready cornerbacks. Walton has a long track record of developing top-tier talent, and his ability to mold Finney into an even better player is something that has stood out to the young cornerback.

When asked about Ohio State during his recruitment, Finney had nothing but positive things to say. “I love Ohio State, and it’s always been a top school of mine,” Finney said. “I’m definitely interested in Ohio State. The way they develop their players and the success they’ve had with cornerbacks is something that stands out to me.” This level of admiration for the Buckeyes is a positive sign for Ohio State fans, as it indicates that the school is very much in the running to land one of the top cornerbacks in the country.

The March 2025 Visit to Ohio State

In March 2025, Finney made the trip to Columbus for an official visit to Ohio State, and the experience only strengthened his feelings about the program. The visit gave him an opportunity to get a firsthand look at the facilities, the coaching staff, and the overall atmosphere at Ohio State. During his visit, Finney spent significant time with Coach Tim Walton, who took the time to discuss how he could help Finney develop his game and prepare for the NFL.

“Coach Walton is really cool, and I like him a lot,” Finney said. “He’s helped mold a lot of great DBs, and I think he could help me reach my full potential.” This personal connection with the coaching staff is crucial in the recruiting process, as it allows players to develop a sense of comfort and trust with the staff they’ll be working with on a day-to-day basis.

In addition to his time with Coach Walton, Finney also got to experience Ohio State’s elite facilities and take in the atmosphere of one of college football’s most storied programs. Ohio State’s success on the field is often fueled by the passion and support of its fan base, and that energy is something that left a lasting impression on Finney during his visit. As a highly competitive athlete, the opportunity to play in front of tens of thousands of fans and compete at the highest level is something that undoubtedly appeals to him.

Ohio State’s Defensive Strategy and the DBU Legacy

Ohio State’s reputation as “DBU” (Defensive Back University) is built on the program’s long history of developing elite cornerbacks who go on to have successful careers in the NFL. From Ward to Lattimore to Okudah, Ohio State has continually produced top-tier talent in the secondary, and that legacy is something that certainly resonates with Finney. The Buckeyes’ defensive philosophy focuses on developing cornerbacks who are not only physically gifted but also mentally sharp and technically sound.

For a player like Finney, who possesses the ideal skill set to play at the next level, Ohio State’s focus on developing defensive backs in a comprehensive manner is particularly appealing. Under Coach Walton’s tutelage, Finney would have the opportunity to refine his technique, enhance his mental game, and prepare for the fast-paced world of NFL competition. Given Finney’s obvious talent and his desire to succeed at the highest level, the opportunity to develop under such a system is one that would only enhance his future prospects.

The Recruitment Heat: Ohio State’s Competition

While Ohio State is undoubtedly one of the top contenders for Finney’s commitment, the competition is fierce. Schools like USC, LSU, Georgia, Texas A&M, and Penn State are all in the running for the five-star cornerback, and each has its own unique selling points. USC, for example, offers a prime location in Los Angeles, with opportunities to play in the Pac-12 and gain exposure on the national stage. Similarly, LSU’s long-standing reputation for developing defensive talent could also be a strong draw for Finney.

However, what Ohio State offers, above all else, is the opportunity to join a program with a proven track record of success and a reputation for developing elite defensive talent. With a coaching staff that has consistently produced NFL-caliber players and a fan base that is among the most passionate in the country, Ohio State provides the perfect environment for a player like Finney to thrive.

What the Future Holds

As Finney continues his recruitment process, it’s clear that Ohio State will be a major player in his decision. The combination of elite coaching, a legacy of success, and the opportunity to develop under the tutelage of Coach Tim Walton and the rest of the staff makes Ohio State an extremely attractive option. While Finney has not made a commitment yet, the Buckeyes have undoubtedly made a lasting impression during his visit and throughout his recruitment process.

For Ohio State fans, the prospect of landing Finney would be a major coup for the program, adding yet another elite talent to an already loaded roster. As the recruitment process heats up, all eyes will be on Finney to see where he ultimately decides to play, but for now, Ohio State remains firmly in the mix, and the Buckeyes are undoubtedly one of the top schools on his list.

This article has been expanded and elaborated to provide a more comprehensive and detailed look into Havon Finney Jr.’s recruitment, including his background, Ohio State’s significance in his recruitment, and the potential impact of his decision.