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Photo courtesy of Ohio State Athletics, via OhioStateBuckeyes.com.
Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class brings together elite national talent, strong in-state foundations, and multi-position depth across both lines of scrimmage. Ryan Day and his staff once again secured one of the premier hauls in the country, built on balance, athleticism, and development.
According to 247Sports’ Team Recruiting Rankings, the Buckeyes’ 2026 class ranks Top 6 nationally carrying a composite class score in the low 290s. The ranking reflects a group loaded with high-end four-stars and a headliner five-star at wide receiver — a class designed to compete immediately in the Big ten.
2026 Ohio State Signees (Per 247Sports)
Chris Henry Jr.
Wide Receiver (★★★★★)
#10 National | #1 WR | 6-5, 205 | Mater Dei (Santa Ana, California)
A nationally elite prospect and centerpiece of the class. Henry’s combination of length, route control, and explosiveness makes him a future WR1 at the collegiate level.
Khary Wilder
Defensive End (★★★★)
#42 National | #2 DL | 6-4, 260 | Junipero Serra (Gardena, California)
A physical, high-motor edge defender with tremendous upside. Wilder provides power and quickness that fits perfectly into Ohio State’s front-seven scheme.
Cincere Johnson
Linebacker (★★★★)
#50 National | #3 LB | 6-3, 222 | Glenville (Cleveland, Ohio)
An instinctive in-state linebacker with size and sideline range. Johnson’s combination of length and football IQ gives him early impact potential.
Sam Greer
Offensive Tackle (★★★★)
#51 National | #6 OT | 6-8, 315 | Archbishop Hoban (Akron, Ohio)
A massive frame and polished technique make Greer one of the most promising offensive linemen in the country.
Jay Timmons
Cornerback (★★★★)
#64 National | #7 CB | 5-11, 185 | Pine-Richland (Gibsonia, Pennsylvania)
A competitive corner with elite ball skills. Timmons plays with confidence and fluidity, adding athletic versatility to the Buckeyes’ secondary.
Blaine Bradford
Safety (★★★★)
#71 National | #7 S | 6-1, 207 | Catholic (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
A rangy, physical safety who thrives in coverage and run support.
Jordan Thomas
Cornerback (★★★★)
#123 National | #15 CB | 6-1, 185 | Bergen Catholic (Oradell, New Jersey)
A technically sound defensive back who brings discipline and length to Ohio State’s defense.
Jerquaden Guilford
Wide Receiver (★★★★)
#137 National | #22 WR | 6-3, 190 | Northrop (Fort Wayne, Indiana)
A reliable target with excellent body control and after-catch ability.
Maxwell Riley
Offensive Lineman (★★★★)
#171 National | #7 IOL | 6-5, 280 | Avon Lake (Avon Lake, Ohio)
Strong and consistent, Riley projects as an interior anchor with long-term starting upside.
Simeon Caldwell
Safety (★★★★)
#186 National | #10 S | 6-3, 185 | The Bolles School (Jacksonville, Florida)
Athletic, instinctive, and smart — Caldwell fits the modern hybrid DB role.
Damari Simeon
Defensive Tackle (★★★★)
#194 National | #22 DL | 6-3, 275 | St. Augustine Prep (Richland, New Jersey)
A powerful interior lineman who wins with leverage and motor.
Favour Akih
Running Back (★★★★)
#244 National | #17 RB | 6-0, 190 | Rutherford B. Hayes (Delaware, Ohio)
A smooth, balanced runner with receiving ability and vision.
Emanuel Ruffin
Defensive Tackle (★★★★)
#247 National | #29 DL | 6-4, 295 | Bessemer City (Bessemer, Alabama)
Brings physicality and power to the defensive front.
CJ Sanna
Linebacker (★★★★)
#252 National | #15 LB | 6-3, 225 | Olentangy (Lewis Center, Ohio)
An athletic, downhill linebacker who fills gaps and plays with toughness.
Braxton Rembert
Linebacker (★★★★)
#358 National | #22 LB | 6-5, 200 | Mill Creek (Hoschton, Georgia)
A rangy linebacker who offers strong coverage potential and length.
Dre Quinn
Defensive End (★★★★)
#365 National | #36 EDGE | 6-4, 228 | Buford (Buford, Georgia)
Brings explosiveness and speed off the edge; a natural pass rusher.
Khmari Bing
Safety (★★★★)
#395 National | #35 CB | 6-0, 190 | St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, Maryland)
Smart, versatile, and physical. Bing projects as a hybrid DB.
Jaeden Ricketts
Wide Receiver (★★★★)
#424 National | #62 WR | 6-0, 187 | Watkins Memorial (Pataskala, Ohio)
A quick and shifty slot receiver who provides separation and burst.
Nick Lautar
Tight End (★★★)
#542 National | #29 TE | 6-5, 230 | Lebanon (Lebanon, Ohio)
A reliable blocker with solid hands and frame to grow.
Kaden Gebhardt
Safety (★★★)
#546 National | #44 S | 6-2, 200 | Olentangy (Lewis Center, Ohio)
An instinctive defensive back with special teams upside.
Tucker Smith
Offensive Lineman (★★★)
#572 National | #45 IOL | 6-5, 280 | Sandra Day O’Connor (Phoenix, Arizona)
A developmental lineman with frame and competitiveness.
Darryus McKinley
Defensive Lineman (★★★)
#601 National | #72 DL | 6-3, 270 | Acadiana (Lafayette, Louisiana)
Plays low and physical, offering valuable depth at DT.
Brock Boyd
Wide Receiver (★★★)
#601 National | #84 WR | 6-1, 180 | Southlake Carroll (Southlake, Texas)
A steady route-runner who adds depth and reliability to the WR room.
Luke Fahey
Quarterback (★★★)
#629 National | #37 QB | 6-0, 185 | Mission Viejo (Mission Viejo, California)
A smart, rhythm-based passer with solid mechanics and leadership traits.
Jamir Perez
Defensive Tackle (★★★)
#768 National | #86 DL | 6-4, 360 | Glenville (Cleveland, Ohio)
Massive interior defender who clogs lanes and controls the run game.
Landry Brede
Offensive Tackle (★★★)
#858 National | #77 OT | 6-5, 280 | Mentor (Mentor, Ohio)
A developmental tackle with balance and athleticism.
Mason Wilhelm
Offensive Lineman (★★★)
#1002 National | #81 IOL | 6-4, 285 | St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio)
A physical interior lineman with strong technique and effort.
All rankings and ratings via 247Sports Composite (December 2025).
Class Evaluation
Ohio State’s 2026 class showcases one of the most complete rosters in the country, blending top-tier national talent with foundational in-state pieces. The offensive line and secondary stand out as strengths, while the receiver group led by five-star Chris Henry Jr.
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