By: Adam Rittenberg (ESPN.com) — National signing day was largely forgettable for the Big Ten, and things ended on a down note as coveted offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson picked USC over Ohio State, Minnesota and several others.

Henderson and linebacker Jordan Hicks were considered the top two players from the Big Ten region this year, and neither of them will be suiting up for a Big Ten team in 2010. Ohio State went 0-for-2 on coveted offensive line prospects on Wednesday, as Matt James picked Notre Dame over the Buckeyes.

Henderson said Ohio State finished second to USC for his services. Minnesota also was in the mix near the end, as head coach Tim Brewster tried to keep the St. Paul product at home.

The Big Ten certainly needs to protect its home turf, especially when most of the nation’s elite players are located elsewhere. Ohio State should still be fine on the offensive line if certain players develop, though today has been a disappointment for the Scarlet and Gray.