BREAKING NEWS: 5-Star WR Luther Burden III Decommits from Missouri, Flips Commitment to Ohio State Over Alabama and Tennessee
Luther Burden III, a highly coveted 5-star wide receiver from the 2023 recruiting class, has made a major decision that has sent shockwaves through college football recruiting circles. Burden, who had previously committed to the University of Missouri, has officially decommitted from the Tigers and flipped his commitment to the Ohio State Buckeyes, choosing the powerhouse program over heavy competition from Alabama and Tennessee.
The 6-foot-2, 200-pound wideout out of East St. Louis, Illinois, has long been considered one of the top prospects in his class, and his recruitment has been a rollercoaster ride. Burden’s initial commitment to Missouri was seen as a significant coup for the Tigers, especially as the state of Missouri was hoping to keep their homegrown talent within the borders. However, as his recruitment progressed and more top-tier programs entered the picture, it became clear that Burden’s potential was attracting attention from the biggest programs in college football.
Ohio State, under the leadership of head coach Ryan Day, has been a perennial contender in the Big Ten and a national championship contender, consistently producing top-tier talent at the wide receiver position. Known for its prolific passing offense, the Buckeyes have made a name for themselves as one of the best programs for developing wide receivers, making them an appealing destination for any top recruit in the country.
In addition to Ohio State, Burden also received heavy interest from Alabama and Tennessee. The Alabama Crimson Tide, led by legendary head coach Nick Saban, have a long history of success and have developed numerous NFL-caliber wide receivers over the years. Tennessee, under the leadership of Josh Heupel, has experienced a resurgence and emerged as a formidable contender in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), with an offense that has impressed many, particularly Burden himself.
Despite the allure of the SEC programs, Burden ultimately decided that Ohio State was the best fit for his playing style and future development. His commitment to the Buckeyes is a huge win for Day and his staff, who have already built a highly successful program. Ohio State has a long track record of success at the wide receiver position, with players like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba all recently becoming first-round NFL draft picks.
Burden’s decision to commit to Ohio State has added even more excitement to the Buckeyes’ already impressive 2023 recruiting class, which includes several other highly ranked prospects. The addition of Burden, who is widely regarded as one of the top wide receivers in the nation, strengthens Ohio State’s already deep pool of offensive talent and gives them another game-breaking playmaker to complement their star-studded quarterback room.
The decommitment from Missouri is a significant blow to the Tigers’ recruiting efforts, as Burden was viewed as the cornerstone of their 2023 class. Missouri had hoped to keep the talented receiver in-state and build around him as they aimed to compete in the SEC. While the Tigers will undoubtedly continue to pursue other top recruits, Burden’s departure is a reminder of the fierce competition that exists in the world of college football recruiting.
With the 2023 season fast approaching, all eyes will now be on Burden as he prepares to take his talents to Ohio State, where he will look to make an immediate impact and continue his rise toward the NFL. For the Buckeyes, the addition of such a highly skilled and explosive player further solidifies their place as one of the elite programs in college football.