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Luke Fahey’s college recruitment wasn’t in Hail Mary territory but his game plan certainly involved faith.
By college football’s new recruiting standards, the July 3 announcement by the Mission Viejo quarterback that he committed to Ohio State was somewhat late in the game.
The dead period for recruiting began June 23, and the Buckeyes already had 19 commitments in their Class of 2026, according to 247Sports. The early signing period opens Dec. 3.
For Fahey, Ohio State was his dream school so he kept the faith as the recruiting window narrowed.
“Throughout this whole thing, it’s been a process but I feel like God has a plan for everybody and it’s completely different for everybody,” he said. “(The timeline) was meant to be. They came late but again, it’s Ohio State. It’s a dream school of mine.”
Polished on the field, in the huddle and on the mic … Ohio State commit @LukeFahey03 of @missionfootball offers the complete package pic.twitter.com/eCiD0dJb9m
— Dan Albano (@ocvarsityguy) July 13, 2025
Fahey’s affinity for Ohio State traces to his father Steve’s parents, who met as students at the school.
“A family feeling just because I’ve dreamed about playing there,” Fahey explained. “I grew up watching them.”
Ohio State’s scholarship offer to Fahey coincided with his trip to the Columbus campus on June 20-22, or just before the dead period.
Fahey (6-1, 185) earlier made visits to Stanford and Indiana but after the Buckeyes offered, he knew his direction.
He waited to announce his commitment on July 3 because he wanted to surprise his mother Melanie Perez on her birthday.
“She’s my rock,” he said.
Fahey said the recruiting process was stressful at times but in the end, he leaned on his family and faith.
“It took me a little longer,” he said. “But everything happens for a reason.”
