Signed, sealed, delivered.
Bellefontaine quarterback Tavien St. Clair made it official on Wednesday with his commitment to continue his football career in Columbus for Ohio State University.
A ceremony was held at the Bellefontaine High School gymnasium with a large crowd of family and fans in attendance.
After the signing, St. Clair posed for photos and signed autographs for many fans.
“It’s tough to come up with one word that I could use,” said St. Clair. “It’s definitely just surreal for me. It’s been a dream come true. This whole process has been spotless and clean with Coach (Ryan) Day and all the staff at Ohio State. I’ve loved every minute of it. To finally make it official was really big.”
The Ohio State 2025 recruiting class is ranked fifth nationally, just behind Oregon at fourth. The Ducks joined the Big Ten this season along with former Pac-12 members USC, UCLA, and Washington.
“It’s definitely been a tough task with the new era of football,” said St. Clair, “with NIL and things like that. I think we have a really good core of guys in the middle of our class.”
One issue for St. Clair and his fellow recruits will be getting wins against rival Michigan. Ohio State lost 13-10 to the Wolverines this past Saturday, the fourth straight loss in the series.
“We were upset about the loss, obviously, it’s our rival, but we’re just excited to be a part of it. I can not wait to be a part of that rivalry,” said St. Clair.
He added that being from Ohio, “it means a little bit more to a lot of us Ohio
guys, knowing what it’s capable for doing for the rest of your life by being known as a legend by beating the team up north. We’re looking at it as an opportunity to put our name out there and really leave a legacy at Ohio State.”
St. Clair had previously committed to play for Ohio State. He said that removed some of the pressure. “Coach Day and Coach (Chip) Kelly and the whole staff at Ohio State have been just great at just allowing me to be a kid and play football at the end of the day. It’s never been a whole lot of pressure on me to perform a certain way. They always make sure that I’m just focusing on playing football and being the best person and best player I can be,” St. Clair said.
Asked about following in the footsteps of fellow Ohio native Joe Burrow, St. Clair said, “I watched Joe Burrow in high school and I’ve watched him do what he’s done in the (NFL) now and it’s surreal to be part of that. To be on the same path that he was on. I’m just really excited to see where my path takes me at Ohio State. I’m definitely ready for the next chapter.” Burrow initially played for Ohio State before transferring to LSU, where he won a national championship.
In his four years with the Chieftains, St. Clair completed 729 passes out of 1,090 attempts. He threw for 9,794 yards with 104 touchdowns and just 22 interceptions.
“The relationships I’ve built — it’s been unlike any other experience,” said St. Clair. “A lot of outside noise Bellefontaine was definitely a place I wanted to be. I wouldn’t change it for the world. Bellefontaine has molded me into the person I am today. I’ve got a lot of love for this community.”
