2022 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida) kicker Jayden Fielding also committed to Ohio State on Tuesday night, pledging to the Buckeyes as a preferred walk-on.
While Fielding will not be on scholarship initially, it’s possible he could earn one if he becomes the Buckeyes’ starting kicker in the future. It's not uncommon for Ohio State to recruit specialists as preferred walk-ons with the possibility of earning a scholarship down the line. Fielding visited Ohio State on Nov. 20 when OSU played Michigan State.
Noah Ruggles could be back for a second season as Ohio State’s starting kicker in 2022 if he decides to use his extra year of eligibility, but if he doesn't, the Buckeyes’ future of the position could be up in the air.