4-Star Wide Receiver Messiah Hampton Decommits from New York School, Commits to Ohio State University
In a significant shift in the college football recruiting landscape, 4-star wide receiver Messiah Hampton has announced his decommitment from a New York state school and has officially pledged his commitment to Ohio State University. This move marks a major victory for the Buckeyes, as Hampton, one of the nation’s top wide receiver prospects, had long been a coveted recruit. His decision to flip his commitment is a blow to other powerhouse programs, including Penn State University, which had also been in the running for his services.
Hampton, who hails from the state of New York, has been one of the most highly sought-after wide receivers in the 2025 class. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing in at 190 pounds, he possesses a rare combination of size, speed, and agility that makes him a matchup nightmare for defenders. His ability to stretch the field and make difficult catches has been on full display throughout his high school career, earning him rave reviews from scouts and analysts.
The decommitment from his original choice, a New York state program, comes as a surprise to many, as Hampton had been solid in his initial decision. However, as recruiting often goes, the pursuit of top-tier talent is a constantly evolving process. Ohio State’s persistent and aggressive recruitment of Hampton ultimately led to a change of heart. The Buckeyes’ reputation as one of the premier programs in college football, their high-powered offense, and their track record of developing wide receivers at the professional level likely played a pivotal role in his decision.
While Ohio State had long been a strong contender in Hampton’s recruitment, programs like Penn State, Michigan, and Alabama had also been closely monitoring his recruitment. Penn State, in particular, had made a strong push to land the standout receiver, and many thought they were the frontrunners. However, the appeal of playing for one of the most successful programs in the country, coupled with Ohio State’s pedigree of developing elite receivers such as Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, proved to be too much to pass up.
Hampton’s commitment to Ohio State adds another major piece to the Buckeyes’ already impressive 2025 recruiting class, which includes several top-tier prospects on both sides of the ball. The wide receiver position is a crucial one for Ohio State, and with Hampton now in the fold, the Buckeyes are poised to continue their dominance in the passing game for years to come.
For Hampton, his decision to commit to Ohio State is not just about playing for a prestigious program; it’s about the opportunity to develop under the guidance of one of the nation’s top coaching staffs. Ohio State’s offensive system, which has consistently ranked among the best in college football, is known for its ability to showcase and elevate the talents of wide receivers. Hampton will have the chance to compete in the Big Ten Conference, one of the toughest leagues in the country, and potentially make an immediate impact as a freshman.
As for his previous commitment to the New York state program, Hampton’s decommitment marks a reminder of the fluid nature of college football recruiting. The recruiting process is dynamic, and top-tier prospects are often courted by numerous schools until they find the right fit. In Hampton’s case, that fit appears to be Ohio State, a program that has developed a reputation for cultivating top-tier talent at the wide receiver position and competing for national championships.
With the announcement of Hampton’s commitment, Ohio State fans can begin to look forward to watching one of the most exciting young receivers in the country join their program. The future is bright for both Messiah Hampton and the Buckeyes, as they look to continue their tradition of success on the field.