Ohio State Commitment A ‘Dream Come True’ For Graf

Owen Graf RHP / Anthony Wayne, OH / 2025

WATERVILLE - There was contact with the previous staff at Ohio State, but when a coaching change was made there was some uncertainty for Owen Graf.

“I wasn't sure what would happen after they left,” the Anthony Wayne senior reflected.

Two weeks in Georgia gave Graf the opportunity to show what he could do.

“I was talking to Ohio State before I went to Georgia,” the 18th-ranked 2025 right-handed pitcher in Ohio related. “I hit 92 at the Top Prospect Games and a couple of schools called and texted after that. Ohio State called and said they will be watching me in tournaments.”

First up was the Prep Baseball National Championships where Graf hit 94.

“Right after that I got an offer from (Georgia) Southern and 15 to 20 coaches followed me on twitter,” noted Graf, with Central Florida, Kennesaw State and Mercer among those now interested. “A lot of Power 5 schools came in. That gave me a lot of confidence going into the (Senior) Future Games.”

Graf did not disappoint, despite dealing with a downpour during his outing at LakePoint.

“Coach (Tyler) Robinson saw me at the Future Games and the next day offered on the phone,” pointed out Graf, who narrowed his schools down to OSU, Princeton and Michigan State. “But I didn’t want to commit yet. I went there a week after I got home and (head) coach (Justin) Haire seemed like a great guy.”

Soon after, the 53rd-rated senior in Ohio was a Buckeye.

“It’s a dream come true,” Graf said. “There was no reason to say no. It was a no-brainer. Coach is a big family guy and they have a really good track record with pitchers. A couple get drafted from there each year. And the facilities are really nice.”

Ohio State saw a lot of promise in the 6-3 200-pounder.

“They really like my delivery,” Graf noted. “The coaches there recruit certain things they can coach. They like my arm action and frame. They think they can get me to 95-97. He saw me as a starter.”

The commitment has Graf, who will turn 18 on Aug. 31, on path to a long-time aspiration.

“I’ve always dreamed of playing in the pros,” Graf explained. “After I broke my arm sophomore year I was stressed out, but I came back and topped at 88. Then I hit 90 and realized I had a shot. This winter everything got easier and I hit the mid-90s. I just need to throw strikes now and compete.”

Graf pointed to twin brother Tanner as instrumental in helping the cause.

“We both push each other to be better,” Graf said. “We’re always trying to one up each other. The support system is there. If I see something or he does, we say something. He’s a big part of this.”

In addition to his brother, Graf also credited his mom and the rest of the family, pitching coaches Jojo Cruz, Tim Norton and Danny Borrell, high school coach Ryan Donley, personal trainer Todd Stainfield, school athletic trainers Jake Curtis and Noelle Matson, Prep Baseball Ohio advanced scout Dylan Hefflinger and Prep Baseball Ohio scouting director Kyle Weldon for playing key roles in his development as well as recruitment.

“When I first got the offer I lost my appetite,” Graf reflected. “I didn’t know what to do. I called them and my mom started crying. It felt great. But now I’ve got to get back to work. It’s a big milestone but you’ve got to maintain the big goals.”

The Anthony Wayne senior is hoping to be an immediate contributor in the Big 10 program.

“I want to come in and start my first year,” Graf related. “I don’t care who they are, I’m there to compete and make them uncomfortable in the box.”

Graf, who had a 4.8 GPA last year and has a 4.5 accumulative, plans to major in sport management or business at Ohio State.

“I’m excited to build relationships with a bunch of good people,” Graf concluded. “I’m looking forward to learning from everybody I’m around, building myself nutritionally and learning how my body works. I think it will be great.”