Recruiting for Ohio State in football is usually an exercise in reloading. However, this year, with the departure of offensive coordinator and ace recruiter Brian Hartline to the University of South Florida, is already having an effect. One thing about National Signing Day for the 2026 season is that the recruiting was in the fall, and the signing day was yesterday.
This article will focus on those players who are in Ohio State’s class. There are some good ones, and one huge question. In college football recruiting, five stars indicate the best possible prospect, four stars are the next level, then three, two, and one. Do you think Ohio State has enough talent to be competitive every year?
2026 Ohio State Recruiting Class
It is important to understand at the outset that a college football team’s lifeblood is its recruiting pipeline. Ohio State’s 2026 class includes 26 players. These players are, in order of ranking according to composite score in the 247 index, are: Khary Wilder, Linebacker Cincere Johnson, OT Sam Greer, Cornerback Jay Timmons, Safety Blaine Bradford, Cornerback Jordan Thomas, Wide Receiver Jerquaden Guilford, Offensive Lineman Maxwell Riley, Safety Simeon Caldwell. Defensive Tackle Damari Simeon.
Other players are: Running Back Favour Akih, Defensive Tackle Emanuel Ruffin, Linebacker CJ Sanna, Defensive End Dre Quinn, Safety Khmari Bing, Wide Receiver Jaeden Ricketts, Tight End Nick Lautar, Safety Kaden Gebhardt, Offensive Lineman Tucker Smith, Defensive Lineman Darryus McKinley, Wide Receiver Brock Boyd, Quarterback Luke Fahey, Defensive Tackle Jamir Perez, Offensive Tackle Landry Brede, Offensive Lineman Mason Wilhelm.
Conclusion
Ohio State football fans have been disappointed by where the Buckeyes fall in the recruiting rankings. This 2026 class is ranked sixth nationally. This follows up a 2025 recruiting class that was ranked ninth nationally. Fans feel that the national championship that Ohio State won last season should result in higher recruiting rankings. One thing that is important to understand is that coaching and developing these players is important.
Ohio State has proved to be better than most teams in that department. It is a good sign that Ohio State had so many recruits from states like Alabama and Georgia.
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