Four-Star Safety Malik Hartford Chooses Ohio State Over Cincinnati

The Bearcats cracked Hartford's top-seven, but weren't his final choice.

CINCINNATI — One of the Bearcats' top targets in the class of 2023 is headed north to Ohio State. Lakota West (Oh.) safety Malik Hartford chose the Buckeyes from a list including Kentucky, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, West Virginia, and Cincinnati.

Congrats @MalikHartford on your verbal commitment to @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/6yM5q8yFji

— Lakota West Football (@LakotaWestFB) April 6, 2022

According to 247Sports, Hartford is the 18th-best athlete in the class and 216th-best player overall. Rivals has him rated as the 25th-best athlete in the class.

Hartford notched 58 tackles this past season, a sack, and two interceptions. He held 25 offers but was a cinch to be a Buckeye once OSU hired away Perry Eliano, his lead recruiter.

Had a great time at THE Ohio State University‼️..but someone needa teach Coach Eliano how to griddy😂😂 #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/nmr4Obz12D

— Malik Hartford🤴🏽 (@MalikHartford) March 10, 2022

Cincinnati is still off to a strong start with their 2023 class—holding the top G5 ranking on 247Sports and the second-best ranking among schools in the new Big 12.

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