The Ohio State Buckeyes football program is consistently in pursuit of top-level talent, using both traditional high school recruiting and the modern transfer portal to bolster their roster. Head coach Ryan Day, along with his dedicated staff, has firmly established a reputation as one of the nation’s premier recruiting forces. Their ability to secure commitments from elite athletes year after year is a testament to their hard work and Ohio State’s prestigious reputation in college football.
As the attention starts to shift toward the 2026 recruiting class, the Buckeyes are once again putting together a group of highly talented young prospects set to arrive in Columbus. This next wave of recruits promises to carry forward the proud tradition of Buckeye excellence on the gridiron. Ohio State’s early success in this recruiting cycle highlights the coaching staff’s proactive and strategic approach, ensuring the team remains competitive at the highest level of college football.
Leading the 2026 class is none other than five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. A standout talent with a national following, Henry has attracted significant interest from many top programs across the country. Despite the aggressive pursuit by other schools hoping to flip his commitment, Henry has decided to shut down his recruitment entirely and has made it clear that his future lies in Columbus. His firm commitment to Ohio State signals the strength of the Buckeyes’ recruiting pitch and their ability to hold onto premier talent even under intense pressure from competing programs.
Chris Henry Jr. isn’t the only talented player committed to Ohio State’s 2026 class. The Buckeyes have also secured pledges from several other high-profile recruits. Among them are four-star safety Blaine Bradford and fellow four-star safety Simeon Caldwell, who both bring depth and versatility to the future defensive backfield. These additions demonstrate Ohio State’s commitment to building a strong and dynamic defense capable of shutting down elite offenses in the Big Ten and beyond.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Buckeyes have added some significant firepower as well. Four-star offensive tackle Sam Greer and four-star offensive lineman Max Riley have committed to the program, giving Ohio State two cornerstone pieces to develop on the offensive line. Their size, athleticism, and skill will be crucial in protecting future quarterbacks and opening up lanes for the run game. These recruits are expected to play vital roles in continuing Ohio State’s tradition of producing elite offensive linemen.
Another notable name in the 2026 class is four-star athlete Jakob Weatherspoon. Known for his versatility, Weatherspoon is capable of playing multiple positions, and his commitment reflects the coaching staff’s interest in dynamic players who can adapt to various roles. He is a valuable asset for any college program, and the Buckeyes have secured his talent early.
Additionally, Ohio State has landed four-star wide receiver Jaeden Ricketts, who is expected to be a strong complement to Chris Henry Jr. in the receiving corps. Together, the duo could form one of the most dangerous wide receiver pairings in college football, providing future quarterbacks with top-tier targets in the passing game.
While these names represent just a portion of Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting success, the coaching staff remains hard at work expanding the class. On Monday, the Buckeyes extended an offer to yet another highly-regarded player—four-star defensive lineman Vodney Cleveland.
Cleveland, a formidable presence on the defensive line, hails from Birmingham, Alabama. He announced via social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that he had received a scholarship offer from Ohio State. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing in at 305 pounds, Cleveland brings an intimidating combination of size and strength to the table.
According to 247 Sports, Cleveland is currently ranked as the No. 4 defensive lineman in the 2026 class. Furthermore, he holds the No. 52 overall national ranking and is considered the fourth-best player in the state of Alabama. His skill set and high ranking make him one of the most sought-after prospects in the country.
Cleveland would add considerable talent to Ohio State’s defensive front, providing depth and power to an already strong unit. His ability to control the line of scrimmage and apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks makes him an ideal target for a defense-oriented program like the Buckeyes. If Ohio State can secure his commitment, it would represent a major win on the recruiting trail.
However, the Buckeyes are not the only program vying for Cleveland’s services. Several other high-profile schools have also extended offers to him. Among them are the Florida Gators, Auburn Tigers, Alabama Crimson Tide, and Colorado Buffaloes. This list includes some of the most storied programs in college football, all competing fiercely for Cleveland’s signature. His recruitment is shaping up to be a hotly contested battle between elite programs from across the country.
As the 2026 recruiting cycle progresses, Ohio State is clearly positioning itself to bring in another stellar class filled with high-upside players. The combination of elite talent already committed, along with new offers being made to top-tier prospects like Vodney Cleveland, shows that the Buckeyes are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to build a championship-caliber roster for the future.
Head coach Ryan Day and his team continue to demonstrate their recruiting prowess, identifying top talent early and building strong relationships that lead to long-term commitments. As more recruits make their decisions and official visits unfold, Ohio State will remain in the mix for many of the country’s best players.
Overall, the 2026 class is shaping up to be another impressive haul for the Buckeyes, with a mix of offensive and defensive stars ready to make their mark. The program’s ability to attract and secure commitments from elite athletes year after year is a major reason why Ohio State remains one of the top destinations in college football. As the season and recruiting period continue, fans can expect even more excitement and big-time names joining the scarlet and gray.
