COPPELL, Texas – Noah Cain plays high school football at Florida’s IMG academy, but he’s originally from Texas. In that way, the touted running back is a citizen of the country. It’s also why he doesn’t mind considering exploring a whole new region in college. His current favorite isn’t in the Southeast or inside the borders of the Lone Star State.

Instead, the four-star running back is eyeing the Midwest. Ohio State tends to have that effect on highly ranked prospects.

“It’s because the relationship I’ve built with [Ohio State running back] JK Dobbins and some of the players up there at Ohio State,” Cain said. “I talk to the Texas guys. They tell me what it’s like and how much they like it there.”

And while he never uses the word “leader,” he says The Buckeyes are the only school standing out from the pack. Split those hairs if you so choose, but Cain’s affinity for Ohio State shines through again when he’s asked about official visits.

“The only school right now that is pretty much a locked official is Ohio State,” Cain said. “That’s the only one I’m really sure on.”

Cain, who hopes to sign in December, says he should be making other official visit plans in short order. He plans to attend Texas’ spring game, and the Longhorns remain heavily in the mix to land his commitment.

For now, however, the home-state school is chasing Urban Meyer. That could change in an instant, though.

“It’s not really about catching back up,” Cain said of Texas. “We just need to keep developing that relationship and I want them to show me the new offensive line play they have.”

Cain’s father says his son will remain at IMG Academy for his senior season despite some muffled rumors to the contrary. The four-star prospect is ranked as the No. 4 running back and No. 60 overall prospect in the class of 2019.