Tony Alford may be on the verge of losing two great recruits. (Birm/Lettermen Row)

Good morning, Ohio State fans, and welcome to the Scarlet Sunrise! Football will always be our focus, but every day we’ll cover news, notes and analysis from across Buckeyes sports. Join us each morning to get caught up on everything you missed in the world of Ohio State football, recruiting, basketball and more.

Ohio State’s RB recruiting mess

Running backs Bijan Robinson and Jaylan Knighton are both expected to make their commitments within the next week. Up until Sunday, both of those commitments were widely projected to be in favor of Ohio State. On Sunday, however, something changed. What’s interesting is not only how sudden they changed but also the fact that they don’t appear to be connected in any way other than perhaps distance being a factor for both players’ families. But this isn’t tied by any other common thread, which is why it’s so strange and unexpected.

Lettermen Row recruiting czar Birm will have more on Monday. Here’s a quick breakdown for now. In the case of Jaylan Knighton, who is set to announce Tuesday, it looks like a trip to Florida State will be the deciding factor. Knighton has been down to the Buckeyes and Seminoles for a while now, and it appears Florida State went out there and won this one themselves. From Sunday at around Noon ET until 9 p.m. ET, nine Crystal Ball picks came in and all were in favor of Florida State. Bijan Robinson’s recruitment appears to be a situation of deciding Ohio State isn’t the place to be rather than that somewhere else is. Most of the Crystal Ball picks that came in for Robinson on Sunday were a change from an Ohio State commitment to cloudy (uncertain) rather than choosing a different school. Of course, this also means the Buckeyes might have a better chance to win him back given that it doesn’t seem like one school in particular is the new favorite.

Either way, potentially losing a 5-star running back and a 4-star running back at the same time, both on the week they plan to announce their commitments, is a brutal situation for Ohio State and particularly running backs coach Tony Alford.

Ryan Day throws out first pitch for Red Sox

Ryan Day throws out the first pitch tonight here at Fenway Park. New Hampshire native takes over the football program at Ohio State this fall, succeeding Urban Meyer. Played quarterback in college at UNH for a staff that included Chip Kelly as the offensive coordinator. #RedSox — Bill Koch (@BillKoch25) July 28, 2019

Tyvis Powell signs with Texans

Former Ohio State safety Tyvis Powell is getting another shot in the NFL. Powell has been without a team since being cut by the San Francisco 49ers in March, but that is no longer the case. The Houston Texans are giving Powell a chance to show what he can do in training camp, as reported by Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.

Ohio State TBT opponent set

Ohio State’s team in The Basketball Tournament now knows its quarterfinal opponent. Carmen’s Crew will take on Eberlein Drive, the No. 1 seed in the Salt Lake Regional and last year’s championship game runner-up.

The matchup will take place at Wintrust Arena in Chicago on Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. ET. It will be televised by ESPN.

Counting down

First day of fall practice: 4 days

Ohio State vs. Florida Atlantic (season opener): 34 days

Ohio State at Michigan: 125 days

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