When Ryan Day started his press conference at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, Ohio State appeared to have lost all momentum with its class of 2024.
Four-star wide receiver Jeremiah McClellan had switched his commitment from Ohio State to Oregon. Florida State and Miami were in pursuit of five-star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith as Alabama and Clemson pushed for five-star defensive end Eddrick Houston.
Day and his staff were on their heels. Then they weren't.
Soon after Day's press conference started, Ohio State general manager Mark Pantoni interrupted Day to let him know Smith had reaffirmed his commitment to become a Buckeye.