Cleveland, OH
Which Ohio State safety could be next in line on an uncertain depth chart?
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State brought in just two safeties in the 2024 class, the highest-rated of which is Jaylen McClain.
And the New Jersey-product might have a massive role with the Buckeyes sooner rather than later.
Ohio State has Ja’Had Cater, Lathan Ransom, Sonny Styles, Jayden Bonsu, Malik Hartford, Cedrick Hawkins and Leroy Roker also on the depth chart at the position. And after the 2024 season, Carter, Ransom and Styles might no longer be in the room.
Which means that McClain could be called upon to help bridge a gap at this point next year.
“Another guy that had a great year, his team had a great season, in a position of need,” coach Ryan Day said. “He’s a guy who was very productive in his high school career, certainly had a great senior year.”
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McClain, the No. 269 prospect and No. 28 safety in the 2024 class, was rated as a four-star player from New Jersey. Paired with Roker, McClain was far and away the highest-rated safety in the class. But while his freshman year will likely be spent in a reserve role, with a likely redshirt year coming, the future for McClain could be bright.
Ohio State has not landed elite, highly rated players at safety like the rest of the defensive room has done. At cornerback and on the defensive line, the Buckeyes have brought in five-star players. That has left the future uncertain for who can take over.
At 6-feet and 185 pounds, McClain is a versatile player that can play well on the back-end in coverage — he played cornerback in high school. And, as many will note, he’s a more than willing tackler when it comes time to do so.
The safety room for Ohio State, unlike some other positions on the roster, is wildly uncertain for 2025 and beyond. Simply, there’s not a clear next-in-line safety tandem that would have been the case had Ohio State signed K.J. Bolden or Caleb Downs or Koi Perich.
And that’s where Ohio State hopes, and might need, McClain to step up.
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Cleveland, OH
Sokolowski’s University Inn co-owner dies
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Former co-owner of the legendary Cleveland restaurant Sokolowski’s University Inn has died.
65-year-old Michael Sokolowski passed away on Tuesday, according to his obituary.
Established in Tremont in 1923, Sokolowski’s University Inn was Cleveland’s oldest family-owned and operated restaurant. It was a recipient of the prestigious James Beard “American Classics” Award in 2014. It closed it doors for good in 2020.
Read Obit below
MICHAEL PAUL SOKOLOWSKI, age 65; passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026. Beloved husband of Patricia (nee McCue); loving father of George McDougall (Erika) and Sara; grandfather of Nicole and Emerson; Son of the late Bernard Sr. and Marion (nee Szwejkowski); dear brother of Bernard Jr. (Mary) and Mary Lou Balbier (Ronald); loving brother-in-law, uncle and dear friend of many. Mike was the co-owner of Sokolowski’s University Inn, a Cleveland landmark restaurant since 1923 and a James Beard Award winner. He played baseball and football for Cleveland Central Catholic and graduated from Otterbein University. Michael was a member of the Greater Cleveland Umpire Association, officiating many Cleveland Indians Fantasy Camps. He loved cooking and taught classes at the Polaris Career Center for their community culinary arts program. Mike loved music, attending many concerts, and playing drums in bands and for his parish church masses. Former President of the Cleveland Society of Poles and a member of the Knights of Columbus Trinity Council. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Cleveland Central Catholic High School, 6550 Baxter Ave., Cleveland, OH 44105.
Mass of Christian burial at St. John Cantius Catholic Church, 906 College Ave, Cleveland, Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 12 noon. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Family and friends received at the church, Saturday from 10 a.m.-12 noon.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
Cleveland, OH
If You Could Put Any Cleveland Baseball Player from the Past on the 2026 Team, Who Would it Be?
We are beginning to see the 2026 roster shape up – now it’s time to get your time machines out.
What Cleveland baseball player from the past would make the biggest impact on the 2026 Cleveland Guardians?
Is it 2017 Francisco Lindor anchoring the team from the shortstop position? Or 1948 Lou Boudreau?
Is it 2002 Jim Thome or 2006 Travis Hafner providing thump in the middle of the lineup? Maybe 1953 Al Rosen gets to DH and spell Jose at third?
Is it 2014 Michael Brantely in right field? 1994 Kenny Lofton in center? 2006 Grady Sizemore in center? 1920 Tris Speaker in center?
1995 Albert Belle providing a shock to the system in left?
Or do you want an ace – maybe 2017 Corey Kluber, 1946 Bob Feller, 2008 CC Sabathia, 1969 Sam McDowell, 1972 Gaylord Perry, 2008 Cliff Lee or 1968 Luis Tiant?
Let us know your choice in the comments below!
Cleveland, OH
House explosion in Cleveland’s Slavic Village neighborhood catches neighboring houses on fire
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A house explosion in Cleveland’s Slavic Village neighborhood caught its two neighboring houses and a car on fire and covered the street in thick smoke.
The family who lived in the house that exploded was not home at the time, Cleveland Fire confirmed.
Cleveland EMS told 19 News that paramedics evaluated a 14-year-old boy in stable condition and will be transported by private vehicle for medical assistance.
All residents were safely evacuated and are being assisted by the Red Cross.
The houses are in the 5900 block of Cable Avenue, east of Broadway.
The two-story house that exploded collapsed after noon, Cleveland Fire confirmed.
The explosion and blaze caught the neighboring houses on both sides on fire, Cleveland Fire said.
Below is raw video our 19 News crews captured on scene:
Our cameras captured a first responder carrying a young child on the street away from the home, but it is unknown which house the child lived in.
Cleveland Fire said that 10 companies and 45 firefighters had all fires under control in an hour and a half.
Clouds of smoke filled the nearby streets, creating dangerously low visibility and difficult breathing conditions.
The plume of smoke could be seen for miles, even in downtown Cleveland and Parma.
The cause of the explosion and the estimated damage amount have yet to be determined. Enbridge Gas is on scene, and 19 News is waiting to hear back.
Return to 19 News for updates.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
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