When Alabama and Ohio State go head-to-head for a prospect on the recruiting trail, even when that recruit is from the state of Ohio, we all know the program that’s likely to win that battle in the end.

That looks to be the case yet again as Cincinnati native Devonta Smith has publicly announced his decommitment from Ohio State as his recruitment with Alabama has begun to heat up.

The La Salle High School product had been committed to Ohio State dating back to March but on Thursday he backed off that pledge. The 6-foot, 185-pound Ohio native is currently rated as a three-star prospect, the No. 30 cornerback in the nation and the No. 12 overall recruit from Ohio in the 2021 recruiting cycle according to 247Sports Composite Rankings.

Once (receiver) Devonta Smith leaves Tuscaloosa, it looks like Saban and his staff will have (defensive back) another Devonta Smith to take his place.