Tavien St. Clair, who hails from right here in Bellefontaine, is a name that’s going to be at the center of countless conversations this fall. This freshman quarterback had options, but he chose the Buckeyes … and all of Central Ohio is excited. He’s another weapon in the arsenal as Ohio State pushes for yet another national championship. (Can they really do it again?) With St. Clair on the field, they’ve got a killer chance.

Tavien St. Clair: More Than Just a Five-Star Recruit

The “five-star” label doesn’t fully capture Tavien St. Clair. He’s not just a name talent; he’s a dedicated player with a very prolific background.

Check it out: His high school career saw him accumulate over 10,000 passing yards and 100 touchdown passes. His senior season in 2024 was strong, with 2,536 yards and 29 touchdowns, but his junior year in 2023 stood out, as he completed an impressive 70.6% of his passes for 3,083 yards and 37 touchdowns, adding 352 rushing yards and four scores. Buckeye fans are waiting to see if this all translates to how he performs at Ohio Stadium and beyond.

These consistent high-level performances earned him numerous accolades, including being a finalist for the 2024 Ohio Mr. Football, a three-time Central Buckeye Conference Offensive Player of the Year, and a two-time First-Team All-State quarterback, as well as the MVP of the Rivals Five Star Camp in June 2024.

Beyond the impressive stats, St. Clair possesses the ideal physical attributes and arm talent for a collegiate quarterback. Standing at 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, he has the prototypical size, with a strong arm that generates impressive velocity with a tight spiral. And his functional mobility allows him to extend plays and gain yards with his legs when necessary.

His decision to commit to Ohio State over numerous other top programs speaks volumes about his potential and the belief in his abilities. He even ranked as the No. 1 prospect in the Rivals 250 at one point.

Why Ohio State University is the Right Fit

When deciding where to land, St. Clair had to think through a lot. Yes, football is important, but it was more than that. It was about finding a place where he could grow as a player and as a person. The academic rigor and the history of the Buckeyes program were big factors in his decision. He is clearly dedicated to succeeding both on and off the field. Off the field, he’s studying business and sports management.

His parents, Marcus and Patricia St. Clair, were instrumental in helping him make this big decision. They looked at all the options, from his rights as a student-athlete to his long-term professional prospects.

Tavien St. Clair, Inc.

St. Clair is about to become his own brand. If he meets the hype, he could become the next Columbus legend. Expectations (naturally for Ohio State football) are astronomical. Fair or not, it’s part of the gig in Columbus. And as a big figure now in college football, he’s ready for all those eyes to be on him. As his reputation grows, a lot of people will be talking about his hometown of Bellefontaine.

Come to Bellefontaine Yourself!

A lot of people are learning about why St. Clair’s hometown is so magnetic. It offers incredible food, like the championship pizzas at Six Hundred Downtown or the award-winning craft beers at Brewfontaine. (Did you know they have been voted the #1 Beer Bar in Ohio by CraftBeer.com? It’s official.) You can explore unique shops, from the charming Queen of Hearts Fine Chocolates & Gifts to the treasure trove, The Nest 1896.

Plus, you can see history itself with America’s First Concrete Street and the stunning Logan County Courthouse…or even catch a show at the beautifully restored Holland Theatre.

If you love Ohio State football and want to see where one of its current stars hails from, check out Bellefontaine. You’ll be glad you did.