Ohio State Football Recruiting: Urban Meyer Will Return Buckeyes to Elite Status

Urban Meyer has arrived to save the day at Ohio State. Following a tumultuous season starting with Jim Tressel's departure and ending with a 6-7 record, the Buckeyes will get an immediate boost next season thanks to Meyer's unmatched recruiting abilities.

It's no surprise he was atop the school's wish list to take over, because few coaches in the country could have the same impact he has in such a short period of time. Between convincing previously committed recruits to stick with Ohio State and bringing in his own group of guys, a terrific class is forming.

It's led by defensive end Noah Spence (highlights below), who ranks as the ninth-best prospect in the entire nation, according to Rivals. Upgrading the pass-rush was a must for Ohio State, and Spence is a huge step in the right direction.

Spence will get some help, too. Adolphus Washington is another elite defensive end.

The bookends will quickly turn into one of the most feared pass-rushing duos in the Big Ten, which will give the Buckeyes a huge advantage moving forward.

Meyer brings his winning attitude to Columbus. That's something that is necessary to attract top-tier recruits because, as much as you would like to believe they are picking a school for academics, most of them are just hoping for the most exposure possible.

Hiring the former Florida head man to lead the way ensures Ohio State will get a boatload of media coverage during his first season at the helm. That gives a chance for elite commits like Spence and Washington to show off their abilities to a national audience right away.

All told, Rivals listed 23 commitments for Meyer's first class. To go along with the aforementioned 5-star studs, there are 13 4-star players and a handful of 3-stars as well.

While those numbers won't jump off the page at you, it's a solid effort for having only a couple months on the job. It will improve as signing day nears, as well. Once fellow recruits see players flocking to Ohio State, they'll follow suit in the coming years.

Meyer will continue to work his magic in the coming years, turning Ohio State back into the perennial national title contenders that everybody has come to expect.

If there were any doubts about his ability to recruit following his absence from coaching, those have gone away quickly. He's still got the mojo, and Ohio State is benefiting big time.