Ohio State’s recruiting trail has been a rollercoaster lately. Just months after the Buckeyes toppled Texas 28-14 in the Cotton Bowl, rivals like Michigan have been swooping in on elite talent, landing 5-star RB Savion Hiter and edge rusher Carter Meadows over Ohio State, Georgia, and Tennessee. But Ryan Day isn’t one to sit back and watch. And his latest hire is a strategic addition whose timing couldn’t be sharper with the Longhorns looming.

When Ryan Day makes a move this close to a heavyweight opener, it usually isn’t just for headlines. Ohio State’s HC has added a fresh face to his staff, a hire that screams both recruiting savvy and long-term vision. On August 27, Dallas Dudley made it official on X, dropping the big news. “I am blessed to announce I have joined THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY as a Football Recruiting Assistant! 214 ➡️ 614.” That single post sent waves through Buckeye Nation, and for good reason. He’s a recruiting architect in the making. From Central Oklahoma to SMU, his fingerprints have been all over roster-building, and now, he’s about to help Ohio State keep stacking blue-chip classes.

Before Ohio State, Dallas Dudley was busy at SMU, where he was a player personnel specialist since January. Prior to that, he worked as a defensive graduate assistant for Central Oklahoma, coaching linebackers and defensive linemen, while also doubling as the recruiting coordinator. He’s done the grunt work, the film breakdowns, the campus tours, and yes, even setting up those photo shoots recruits love. He was also the primary recruiter for 3-star DL Bradyn Smith, a signee who helped power UCO to an 11–2 record and its first-ever MIAA Championship.

You might also want to know, Dallas Dudley’s roots run deep in Texas recruiting. And wouldn’t you know it, the Buckeyes are about to face Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns on August 30. For Ryan Day, the timing couldn’t be sharper. His new hire specializes in Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Mississippi, prime recruiting grounds where the Buckeyes have quietly built pipelines. And it’s not just Ohio State fans noticing. 

Buckeye Nation reacts to Dallas Evans’ new Ryan Day linkup 

Dallas Evans’ timeline quickly filled with praise. First up, the fan perspective. One Buckeye supporter summed it up simply, “Yessir Dallas, Proud of you brother.” Fans see him as a connector, a grinder, and someone who knows how to turn Texas prospects into Ohio State blue-chips.

Then there’s the peer endorsement. SMU Senior Personnel Analyst Jake Langi wrote, “Go be great & we’ll see you at the top, @CoachDDudley.” That’s a nod to Dallas Dudley’s proven ability to build relationships, navigate the recruiting maze, and mentor talent. 

All those qualities are what Ryan Day wants in Ohio State before the Texas showdown. Others weighed in too. One tweet read, “Proud of you @CoachDDudley appreciate all you did for @SMUFB love you brotha!! Go be great!!! Excited to follow your journey!!” That reaction shows he’s respected for how he treats players, earning loyalty that can tip recruiting battles in the Buckeyes’ favor.

Finally, another voice captured the sentiment of the broader coaching network. “No one more deserving! Go crush it my guy,” they tweeted. The concise praise speaks volumes as Dallas Dudley’s climb has been noticed at every level, and now he has the stage to prove himself on one of CFB’s biggest platforms.

Now, with Texas looming as the season-opening showdown, Coach Day has more than just a game plan coach. He has a recruiter who knows the lay of the land. Ohio State has won 23 straight season openers, but Texas isn’t rolling in quietly. Steve Sarkisian’s Longhorns carry the nation’s longest road winning streak at 11 games. Something’s got to give. And with Dallas Dudley stepping into Columbus just in time, the Buckeyes may have landed their newest X-factor before the first whistle even blows.