Where Ohio State football stands in recruitment of fast-rising QB Austin Novosad

If Ohio State is able to flip Baylor commit Austin Novosad, it won’t be until later this summer.

Novosad, a fast-rising four-star quarterback in the class of 2023, continues to weigh a scholarship offer from the Buckeyes, among other top programs.

He had been on track to end his recruitment around the Fourth of July in a decision that involved either sticking with a pledge he had given to Baylor in December or moving on to Ohio State.

But offers in recent weeks from Notre Dame and Texas A&M have given him more possibilities to consider.

“At this point, it’s just kind of when I feel ready,” Novosad said.

The extra few weeks are allowing him to get familiar with those newer schools. The Irish extended an offer as recently as Monday.

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Novosad still hopes to finalize a decision before he begins his senior season at Dripping Springs (Texas) High School early next month.

“I think that kind of takes off some pressure once you're committed and decisive on your decision,” he said. “You can get going on your last year.”

Over the last month, Ohio State has received eight verbal commitments and overtaken Notre Dame as having the top-ranked class in the 2023 recruiting cycle.

But none of them, nor any of the Buckeyes’ 18 total commits, is a quarterback, adding intrigue to the recent courtship of Novosad, who appears to be their best shot at landing a blue-chip passer this year.

It’s rare for the Buckeyes not to end up with at least one signal caller in a class. Only once in the last 15 cycles have they gone without signing a quarterback.

Texas A&M’s interest marked one of the biggest turn of events in Novosad’s recruitment.

Both of his parents are alums of the school, and he grew up attending games in College Station. Former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Johnny Manziel was one of the players he admired.

“He created some crazy plays,” Novosad said, “I’ll tell you that.”

Novosad was in elementary school when Manziel won the Heisman Trophy in 2012, a formative period.

“It was kind of the time when you’re a kid and you’re dreaming of playing college football,” Novosad said.

In a situation similar to Ohio State, the Aggies are in search of a quarterback to add to their 2023 class and have prioritized Novosad on their recruiting board in recent weeks.

After he landed an offer from Texas A&M two weeks ago, it meant a lot.

“It was cool to get that offer and something you've always worked for,” he said. “But I'm still making a business decision. Not sentimental, or what you like.”

Novosad is still in touch each week with Buckeyes coach Ryan Day and quarterbacks coach Corey Dennis. They chat over phone calls or texts.

“The message has been how much they want me and need me,” Novosad said.

He said he also hears from some of Ohio State’s commits such as Brandon Inniss, the second-ranked receiver in the nation in this cycle.

Inniss was among a trio of prolific pass catchers to commit late last month, along with Carnell Tate and Noah Rogers.

“It was cool to see them land those guys,” Novosad said.

Ohio State’s recent success with developing quarterbacks remains the biggest selling point. C.J. Stroud is expected to be the third straight starter taken in the first round of the NFL draft next year, following Justin Fields and the late Dwayne Haskins.

“That’s kind of Coach Day’s message,” Novosad said. “You’re going to be set up to go to the NFL with their offense and you’re going to be prepared to get there. That’s what he’s telling his recruits.”

Novosad said NFL development, along with education and preparation for life after the sport, are his top considerations.

As he prepares to settle on a decision in the next few weeks, he said he’ll make lists of pros and cons for the schools and reach out to coaches with remaining questions.

Novosad said this stage of the recruiting process brings a mix of good and bad.

He only picked up his first scholarship offers 13 months ago and keeps his rise as a prospect in perspective. On the other hand, the flood of interest in recent weeks has left him with a lot more ponder.

"It makes your decision harder," he said, "but it's fun at the same time. Getting to make relationships with all these coaches and stuff has definitely been a good experience."

Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Contact him at jkaufman@dispatch.com or on Twitter @joeyrkaufman.

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State football recruiting: Quarterback Austin Novosad in mix