Apopka, Florida, four-star offensive tackle William Barnes included Ohio State in his Top 7 on Thursday night alongside Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia and North Carolina.
The 6-foot-4, 312-pound Barnes is considered the fifth-best offensive tackle and No. 45 prospect overall in the Class of 2018. He participated in Nike Football's The Opening Finals earlier this month and has been invited to both the U.S. Army and Under Armour All-American games.
Though his list would indicate the Buckeyes would be hard-pressed to pull him from the south, Barnes previously told Eleven Warriors he has no reservations about playing far from home or in colder weather.