Ohio State football just landed a massive recruiting win this week. On Monday, March 31, 2025, Blaine Bradford—a five-star safety from Baton Rouge, Louisiana—gave his commitment to the Buckeyes. This kid’s a huge get, ranked as one of the top players in the 2026 class, and Ohio State beating out schools like LSU and Texas for him feels like a victory lap after their national championship run in 2024.

A Louisiana Kid with Big Talent

Blaine’s tearing it up at Catholic High School down in Baton Rouge. At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, he’s got the perfect mix of speed, toughness, and smarts to play safety. The folks at 247Sports have him pegged as the No. 1 safety and No. 23 overall player in his class, and it’s not hard to see why. He’s not just a football standout either—he’s a beast in baseball and track, too. That kind of all-around athleticism has coaches losing their minds.

Recruiting guru Gabe Brooks can’t stop talking about him. “Blaine’s built solid,” Gabe told me. “He’s the kind of safety who reads a play in a flash and comes flying in to stop the run.” Check out his highlights, and you’ll see—he’s always around the ball and hits like a truck.

Here’s the kicker: his brother Jacob just signed with LSU as a defensive back in the 2025 class. So, it’s pretty wild that Blaine’s packing his bags for Columbus instead of staying home with the Tigers.

How Ohio State Pulled It Off

This wasn’t a walk in the park for Ohio State. LSU had the hometown edge, Texas was riding high after their 2024 playoff push, and Oregon was flashing some serious NIL cash. Blaine even said LSU felt like a natural fit at first, with his brother there and their stacked 2025 class. But the Buckeyes wouldn’t let up.

It all started last summer when Blaine showed out at an Ohio State camp and earned an offer. He kept swinging by Columbus, catching games and kicking it with safeties coach Matt Guerrieri and secondary coach Tim Walton. Those visits won him over. “Ohio State’s where I can grow the most,” Blaine told Hayes Fawcett from On3 after making it official. On X, he just posted “BIA”—“Best in America,” the Ohio State secondary’s motto—with a couple of buckeye emojis. Short and sweet, but it says everything.

What It Means for the Buckeyes

Blaine’s commitment is a game-changer for Ohio State’s 2026 class. They’ve already got eight guys locked in, including five-star receiver Chris Henry Jr., and now Blaine’s on board as their second big-time talent. Toss in four-star corner Jakob Weatherspoon, and you can tell they’re dead-set on building a nasty defense.

For Coach Guerrieri, this is personal. He landed four-star safety Faheem Delane last year, and now he’s got Blaine—the top safety in 2026. With star Caleb Downs probably NFL-bound after 2025, Blaine could step right in as a freshman. He’s got that kind of upside.

Ohio State’s not slowing down either. The same weekend Blaine committed, they had other big names like No. 1 running back Savion Hiter and linebacker Simeon Caldwell on campus. Three top-300 commits in March? That’s what winning a title gets you—check out the full 2026 recruiting rundown to see how stacked they’re getting.

What’s Next?

Blaine’s locked in for now, but recruiting’s a wild ride. LSU and Texas aren’t going to just shrug and walk away—they’ve got visits lined up with him this summer. Still, Blaine’s dropping hints he might be done looking. “They win at Ohio State, and that’s huge,” he told Rivals. “Coach G and Coach Day are awesome. I love how fired up Coach G gets.”

For Ohio State fans, this is worth celebrating. Pulling a five-star kid from Baton Rouge—practically LSU’s backyard—is a power move. It’s like when they grabbed Jeremiah Smith from Florida or Devin Sanchez from Texas. The Buckeyes are showing they can recruit anywhere.

Blaine’s got the tools to be a star—maybe an All-Big Ten guy or even an NFL draft pick down the line. For now, Buckeye fans are just stoked to have him. Like Blaine said: “26’s, let’s run it up.” With him on board, Ohio State’s off to one heck of a start.

Yesterday, March 26, 2025, Ohio State football got some exciting news: offensive lineman Tucker Smith from Arizona said “yes” to the Buckeyes for the 2026 class. The kid announced it himself on social media, and you can feel the energy in Columbus picking up. This is just the latest win for head coach Ryan Day and his new offensive line guru, Tyler Bowen, who’s been on fire lately.

Meet Tucker Smith

Tucker’s a big dude—6 feet 5 inches, 280 pounds—and he’s coming out of Sandra Day O’Connor High School in Phoenix. He’s a three-star recruit according to the 247Sports composite, sitting at No. 844 overall, No. 72 among interior offensive linemen, and No. 12 in Arizona. Some sites like On3 haven’t ranked him yet, but word on the street is he’s got the kind of upside that could bump him up as he keeps growing into his frame. He’s played all over the offensive line in high school—center, guard, tackle, you name it. Most folks think he’ll end up inside at guard or center in college, and it’s easy to see why. He’s quick on his feet, loves mixing it up in the trenches, and plays with a mean streak. Some are even saying he reminds them of Ohio State’s Luke Montgomery—a guy who could turn into a four-star talent once he gets into a college weight room and packs on some muscle.

How He Ended Up a Buckeye

Tyler Bowen’s Hot Streak

What Tucker Brings to the Table

What’s Next

Few tales of college football recruiting come so draped in local pride as one about Maxwell Riley, a leading offensive tackle talent out of Avon Lake, Ohio, regarding his 2026 class thoughts on the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Interest and Offers End

His name has been hot on the boards of many collegiate programs since inception, but right at the center of it is Ohio State, his home-state pride. First-year offensive line recruit Maxwell Riley visited Ohio State for its initial spring practice of 2023 and left Columbus with an offer from the Buckeyes, one of the first high school offensive line prospects in the class of 2026 with a Buckeye offer. That early offer underlined how much the Buckeyes' coaching staff thought of him, not just as a talented player, but as a priority for their future lineup.

Building Relationships

The relationship between Riley and Ohio State has only gotten closer with time. He has visited Columbus several times, taking in game days and practices and even going so far as to celebrate with the Buckeyes after their 2025 National Championship. These visits have placed him in a position where he can know on a personal level the head coach, Ryan Day, and the offensive line coach, Justin Frye. The interactions that have been pivotal with him often referring to the intensity and focus that the Ohio State offensive line gives as impressive, while the commitment of the coaching staff to players' development remains key.

Recruiting Journey

The journey of recruitment about Riley has showcased his talent and potential. The options have not been in short supply, with Riley being considered one of the top-rated offensive tackles in the nation and the second-best prospect in Ohio for the 2026 class. Amongst the power programs in his recruitment list were Alabama, Florida State, Michigan State, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Clemson. But with multiple visits to Ohio State, and a program history steeped in the tradition of churning out NFL-caliber offensive linemen, the Buckeyes have emerged as a clear leader.

Decision Time Nears

With his senior year of high school in full bloom for Riley, his college decision isn't getting any farther away. The coaching staff at Ohio State means something to him-or at least it should if he is taking developed players to national championships. Of course, Crystal Ball Predictions via social media platforms like X also have it going big toward Ohio State.

What Ohio State Offers

The reason Ohio State stands out is not just because it is a top program but also because of the legacy-a place where offensive linemen often get molded into professional athletes. With idols like Orlando Pace, Riley knows what the path from Columbus to the NFL looks like. Recent national championship success for the Buckeyes only furthers the appeal: promises of not just playing but winning at the highest level.

Max Klare, the extra talented tight end out of Purdue University, moved his commitment to The Ohio State University, it was announced on December 23, 2024. He is from Cincinnati, Ohio, and attended St. Xavier High School. Klare certainly brings a load of talent and experience to the Buckeyes.

Background and Performance at Purdue:

Klare was ranked as the No. 1 tight end in the NCAA transfer portal by ESPN. A versatile weapon at tight end who was one of the more touted transfers this cycle, Klare led Purdue in catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns in 2024 with 51 receptions for 685 yards and four touchdowns. He was good enough to be considered the best tight end looking through the transfer portal, which speaks volumes of his worth to any team looking to fill up their offensive roster.

Reason for Transfer and Choice of Ohio State:

A number of factors influenced Klare's choice to go with Ohio State. Among them was the possibility of further development with head coach Ryan Day, who is renowned for sending players to the NFL. Klare said Day's track record of developing players was one of the main reasons he decided to commit to the Buckeyes. He also said he liked how offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and tight ends coach Keenan Bailey outlined how he would be used in the offense. Klare said he's also excited about the opportunity to compete against and learn from Ohio State's five-star safety Caleb Downs, which he thinks will elevate his game.

Impact on Ohio State's Team:

Ohio State has been active in the transfer portal, taking commitments from several players over the past few weeks, including Klare. He adds depth to an already talented tight end room, complementing players like Will Kacmarek, who is known as a blocker, and other players at the position. Klare's receiving skills are likely to add a new dimension to Ohio State's offensive plays, particularly with the loss of some key players to the NFL draft. His experience of having played in the Big Ten Conference should also ease his transition.

As for names that popped up early in discussions about 2026 recruitment, there’s one – Jaeden Ricketts: a wide receiver who hails from Pataskala, Ohio and has received early popularity among recruiters.

Early Interest from Ohio State

Jaeden Ricketts is another Ohio State offer who has interest in the Buckeyes at a high level. He is planning to be at Penn State's game today. This young athlete has been turning heads with his impressive performances and dedication to the sport.

I recall when I witnessed Jaeden for the first time. A chilly autumn evening it was, and the bleachers were full of excitement and anticipation. You could sense a change in atmosphere the moment he walked onto that pitch. He had this presence that commanded attention, and boy, did he deliver. With every catch and sprint, he showcased not just his talent but his passion for the game. It was clear that Jaeden was destined for greatness.

When we fast forward to now, it becomes evident that Jaeden’s journey is only beginning. The recruiting process of Ohio State is strict and they have given him an offer already. This would not be easy given the level of competition as well as Buckeye’s high standards. Jaeden is also interested in Ohio State which makes the communication between him and their coaches especially Brian Hartline who oversees the receivers department, happen often.

Exploring Other Opportunities

But Jaeden isn't just focused on Ohio State. He's also exploring other opportunities and experiences. In fact, he's planning to attend Penn State's game today. This visit is part of his broader strategy to understand different programs and find the best fit for his future. It's a smart move, given the importance of making an informed decision when it comes to college athletics.

Other Schools in the Mix

Jaeden's talent hasn't gone unnoticed by other top programs either. Schools like Michigan, Notre Dame, and Alabama have shown significant interest in him. Each of these programs offers a unique set of opportunities and challenges, and Jaeden is taking the time to evaluate them carefully.

- Michigan: Michigan is a hard place to resist with its great academic achievements, sign stealing, and solid tradition in football. This commitment looks challenging as Jaeden receives regular calls from the Wolverines' coaching staff to discuss about what they have in mind for him.

- Notre Dame: With its storied history and emphasis on character and academics, Notre Dame presents a holistic approach to college athletics. Jaeden has expressed admiration for the program's values and the supportive community.

- Alabama: Known for being a giant in college football, Alabama has a fierce atmosphere and has been recognized for producing NFL player talents. Jaeden is being considered by the Crimson Tide because of his ability to perform more than average at an elite level.

Big news for the Ohio State Buckeyes! They just landed another awesome defensive lineman for their 2025 class. Jarquez Carter, a super talented player from Florida, decided to join the Buckeyes today. This is a bit of a surprise, as Miami, UCF, and Penn State were also after him. Looks like Ohio State is on a roll!

The Legend of Larry Johnson

Carter's decision was heavily influenced by legendary defensive line coach Larry Johnson. Johnson's reputation as a master developer of NFL-caliber talent has drawn top recruits to Columbus for years. Carter himself cited Johnson as the main reason behind his choice, saying, "He's a legend."

A Youth Movement on the D-Line

At 6-foot-2 and 284 pounds, Carter brings power and agility to the interior of Ohio State's defensive line. He joins fellow tackles Trajen Odom and Maxwell Roy in what promises to be a formidable unit. With the departure of all four starters after the 2024 season, including standouts like Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau, Johnson needs fresh bodies to step up.

A Personal Connection

So how'd Ohio State land another top recruit? It all started with a visit in June. Jarquez Carter, a super talented defensive lineman from Florida, went to Ohio State for a few days (from the 19th to the 21st of June, to be exact). During that visit, he hung out with the players, got to feel the electric atmosphere of the Horseshoe stadium, and totally pictured himself rocking the scarlet and gray. It was a lightbulb moment for him – he knew he wanted to be part of something special at Ohio State.

Meet Malik Autry, a great defensive lineman who turned heads on high school fields across the country. At 6-foot-7 and 320 pounds, Autry is more than just an athlete—he's a force of nature. And guess what? Ohio State has its eyes locked on him.

Background and Recruitment

Picture this: It’s Friday night, the lights are flashing, the crowd is boisterous, and Malik Autry is smashing offensive lines like a runaway train. His high school life? It’s absolutely amazing. From flattening opponents to dropping quarterbacks, Autry’s highlights are full of jaw-dropping hits and game-changing moves.

But it’s not just his stats that grabbed Ohio State's attention. It’s that undeniable spark—the fierce look in his eyes when he hits the field. Coaches compare him to a young J.J. Watt, with all that raw power and grit. Autry's got the kind of talent that makes recruiters drool.

Ohio State's Pursuit

Now, let's talk about the Buckeyes. They've been wooing Autry like a suitor in a Jane Austen novel. Official visits? Check. Late-night phone calls with Coach Ryan Day? Double check. Autry even got a sneak peek at the legendary "Shoe"—Ohio Stadium—where the echoes of past victories seem to whisper, "Join us, Malik."

And the campus tour? Autry's eyes widened as he walked into the locker room. There was a row of shiny dumbbells, a lounge area, and a picture of Archie Griffin—the only two-time Heisman winner—looking down. It was like walking into football heaven.

Competition and Decision Timeline

But here's the twist: Autry's not an easy catch. Auburn's been courting him too, dangling promises of Southern hospitality and SEC glory. The Tigers have their own charm—a blend of sweet tea, tailgates, and a stadium that feels like a revival tent during a winning streak.

And the clock is ticking. August 17—the day Autry reveals his college choice—is approaching faster than a cornerback chasing down a wide receiver. Will he don the scarlet and gray, or will he head south to the land of "War Eagle"?

Impact on Ohio State

If Autry chooses Ohio State, it's a game-changer. Imagine him lining up alongside the Buckeyes' defensive front, a human wall that says, "Thou shalt not pass!" His size, speed, and sheer tenacity could turn close games into blowouts. And the fans? They'd embrace him like a long-lost Buckeye brother.

But if he goes elsewhere, well, the Buckeyes will regroup. They'll keep recruiting, keep building, and keep chasing that elusive national championship. Because in college football, the pursuit never stops.

Gates Mills, Ohio — Buckeye Nation, rejoice! Three-star tight end Brody Lennon just joined the Ohio State team! The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder from Gilmore Academy chose the Buckeyes over Kentucky, Missouri and Wisconsin after a June 21st visit to Columbus.

A Dream Realized

This isn't just about football for Brody. This is a dream come true! Growing up in Ohio, he's been a die-hard Buckeyes fan forever. His dad, who went to Ohio State too, totally passed on that love for the team. So, when Coach Bailey offered him a spot, it felt like it was meant to be. "It felt amazing," Lennon shared. "I always grew up an OSU fan, and my dad went there. Coach Bailey believed in me, and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to wear the Block O".

Tight End Renaissance

Ohio State hasn’t seen a pair of tight ends like this since 2016. Thanks to Lennon’s commitment, they now have two promising talents at the position. He joins four-star Oklahoma prospect Nate Roberts, and together, they aim to redefine the role of tight ends in the Buckeyes' offense. Roberts and Lennon bonded during their official visit to Columbus, and their camaraderie could spell trouble for opposing defenses.

The Impact

Lennon's commitment brings Ohio State's 2025 class to 20 members. Alongside other blue-chip recruits like quarterback Tavien St. Clair and running back Bo Jackson, Lennon hopes to make an immediate impact. The Buckeyes are building something special, and Brody Lennon is a crucial piece of that puzzle.

Buckeye fans, listen up! You might not know Jake Cook yet, but this Westerville North star is making a name for himself. He's been putting in the hard yards, hitting up all the Ohio State camps, basically doing everything he can to play for the Buckeyes in that awesome scarlet and gray uniform.

The Audition

This summer, Jake got his shot and headed to the Ohio State football facilities. He totally impressed the coaches twice, showing off his moves, his strength, and how much he wanted it. But even though he crushed those workouts, that dream offer from the Buckeyes is still out there waiting. Jake's heart, however, remained unwaveringly set on the Buckeyes.

The Call That Changed His College Plans

Then came that life-changing call. Justin Frye, the offensive line coach, reached out to Jake. The Buckeyes had evaluated his film, dissected his performance, and were ready to extend an offer. Jake's dream was finally within reach. His emotions swirled—a mix of relief, pride, and sheer excitement. The seven-year-old boy who once dreamed of playing for Ohio State was now on the brink of realizing that dream.

Proving His Worth

Jake's journey wasn't without challenges. After a demanding sophomore season, he lost 40 lbs., honed his skills and proved a force on the field. Coach Day acknowledged Jake's transformation, admitting that he had "shocked the hell out of them." The offensive line board was reevaluated, and Jake's name was etched prominently.

The Private Workout

Coach Frye invited Jake back for a private workout. Center reps awaited him, and Jake seized the opportunity. Under Frye's watchful eye, he absorbed every lesson, every nuance of the position. The disappointment of not receiving an immediate offer faded as Jake focused on growth. He knew he belonged here, among the Buckeyes, and he was determined to prove it.

Stuck smack dab in the middle of America, where corn grows taller than skyscrapers, lives Mariyon Dye. This dude dreams of rocking the scarlet and gray (you know, Ohio State colors) more than anything. Football is basically his life, and let me tell you, he's ridiculously good at it. College coaches everywhere are taking notice!

The Final Eight

Mariyon recently unveiled his final eight schools, and Ohio State made the cut. Alongside powerhouse programs like Georgia, Tennessee, and Penn State, the Buckeyes stand tall. Dye, a 4-star Indiana defensive end, knows that choosing a college isn't just about football—it's about finding a home. His official visit to Columbus is scheduled for June 14, and anticipation hangs in the air like a Hail Mary pass.

The Buckeye Connection

Why Ohio State? Mariyon's answer is simple: tradition. It's about family. Mariyon's uncle, a proud Buckeye alum, regales him with tales of epic clashes against Michigan and late-night celebrations at the Varsity Club. Those memories linger, like the scent of fresh-cut grass on game day.

A Personal Story

Picture this: A crisp autumn afternoon, leaves crunching underfoot. Mariyon stands on the sidelines during an Ohio State game, his heart racing. The crowd chants, "O-H!" He responds, "I-O!" Goosebumps prickle his skin. His uncle, grinning ear to ear, claps him on the shoulder. "One day, nephew," he says, "this could be you."

The Edge Rusher

Dye's game? Explosive. He bursts off the line like a cannonball, eyes locked on the quarterback. His 6-foot-5 frame weaves through blockers, hungry for sacks. Coaches envision him terrorizing Big Ten offenses, a scarlet blur in pursuit. And when the Buckeye faithful rise to their feet, chanting his name, Mariyon knows he's found his tribe.