Following his official visit to Ohio State this past weekend, Elberton, Georgia five-star athlete Mecole Hardman, Jr. has updated his top schools.

When Hardman, a versatile 5-foot-10, 170-pound athlete at Elbert County High School last made a public list, there were six schools on the list, but Ohio State was not.

While Alabama was named as Hardman's leader weeks ago, the "Tide" may have begun turning in the Buckeyes' favor last week in San Antonio. Hardman, playing in the US Army All-American Bowl, hit it off with Ohio State early-enrollee Austin Mack and said that Mack was a key player in his decision to make a trip to Columbus.

"Austin was a big reason," Hardman told 11W when asked what prompted the seemingly last-minute trip. "I know a lot about Ohio State just from what I've seen."

Immediately after leaving Ohio State, Hardman tweeted about his official visit.

It's been fun Columbus Really love it up here, don't think I've seen snow in like 2 years but yeah Go #Buckeyes — Mecole Hardman Jr. (@iiAm_Mesho) January 17, 2016

While the cold weather and snow might've made an impact, it's clear the rest of the trip did too.

The country's 12th-ranked prospect in the 2016 class will visit Alabama next weekend and a signing day decision is expected.