Ohio State Continues Recruiting Stronghold with Commitment from Top Midwest Prospects
Columbus, OH — The Ohio State Buckeyes are making a statement in the Class of 2026 recruiting cycle, tightening their grip on the Midwest and reasserting their dominance in in-state recruiting. Head coach Ryan Day and his staff have secured commitments from five of Ohio’s top ten high school prospects, once again establishing the Buckeyes as the gold standard for football talent in the region.
In an era where recruiting battles are becoming increasingly national, Ohio State’s ability to lock down homegrown talent is both strategic and symbolic. By keeping elite players within state lines, the Buckeyes are not only preserving tradition—they’re building a future rooted in loyalty, familiarity, and pride.
The Core of the 2026 Class
Among the notable in-state commits are:
Jaylen Carter, a 5-star linebacker from Pickerington North High School, ranked as the No. 1 player in Ohio and a top-15 national recruit. Carter’s athleticism, football IQ, and leadership have drawn comparisons to former Buckeye great Raekwon McMillan.
Treyvon Hill, a 4-star offensive tackle out of Cincinnati Moeller, standing at 6-foot-6, 305 pounds. Hill is considered a cornerstone for OSU’s future offensive line and reportedly turned down offers from Alabama, Notre Dame, and Georgia.
Myles Henderson, a 4-star safety from Cleveland Glenville, who adds another chapter to the legacy of Glenville-Buckeye pipelines, which produced names like Ted Ginn Jr., Marshon Lattimore, and Troy Smith.
Dominic Price, a 4-star wide receiver from Dublin Coffman, known for his precise route-running and elite hands. His skillset has already drawn early comparisons to former OSU star K.J. Hill.
Xavier Marks, a 4-star running back from Akron Hoban, who rushed for over 2,000 yards as a junior and is considered one of the most explosive playmakers in the state.
Together, these players form the backbone of a 2026 recruiting class that is currently ranked No. 2 nationally by 247Sports and Rivals, trailing only Georgia.
Ryan Day’s Vision and Strategy
Head coach Ryan Day has been clear about his approach to recruiting in recent years: dominate locally, compete nationally. While Ohio State has always been a destination program for blue-chip prospects from across the country, Day believes that locking down the Midwest—particularly Ohio—is essential to sustaining success.
“We always start here at home,” Day said in a recent press conference. “There’s something special about Ohio high school football. The toughness, the discipline, the work ethic—it aligns perfectly with what we want our program to represent.”
Day’s commitment to in-state recruiting is also evident in the relationships he and his staff have cultivated with high school coaches across Ohio. The trust built over years has helped the Buckeyes stay ahead of the curve, often identifying and evaluating talent before national programs come calling.
Competing with the Best
With the rise of NIL deals and the expanded College Football Playoff, elite programs like Alabama, Michigan, USC, and Oregon have intensified their presence in the Midwest. Despite this, Ohio State has been able to fend off outside challengers and reestablish a near-ironclad wall around its borders.
According to recruiting analyst Bill Kurelic, Ohio State’s early success in the 2026 cycle is a reflection of strategic planning and relentless recruiting.
“The Buckeyes aren’t just winning these battles—they’re closing them early,” said Kurelic. “That gives them the ability to build around these core pieces while turning their focus nationally to finish strong.”
Ohio State has also benefited from peer recruiting, with players like Jaylen Carter and Dominic Price actively campaigning for other top Ohio prospects to join them in Columbus. This player-led effort has amplified the Buckeyes’ message and created momentum around the class.
Building for the Future
The focus on Midwest talent is also part of a broader roster-building philosophy under Ryan Day. These players understand the culture, climate, and expectations of Ohio State football. They’ve grown up watching the Buckeyes play in the Horseshoe and dreaming of donning the scarlet and gray.
“They don’t need to be sold on the brand—they live it,” said OSU Director of Player Personnel Mark Pantoni. “That sense of belonging translates into performance on and off the field.”
In addition to their on-field talent, these in-state commits bring leadership, work ethic, and a blue-collar mentality that aligns with Ohio State’s identity. With the program set to enter a new era of heightened competition—thanks to the expanded playoff format and increasingly competitive Big Ten landscape—the timing of this class couldn’t be better.
What’s Next for OSU?
While Ohio State has done an excellent job locking down Ohio’s borders, the recruiting staff isn’t done. The Buckeyes are in strong contention for several national prospects, including:
Darnell Thompson, a 5-star defensive end from Texas
Isaiah Greene, a 5-star cornerback from Florida
Tyson Porter, a top-10 tight end from California
If the Buckeyes can land two or more of these national names to complement their elite in-state core, they could finish with the No. 1 recruiting class in the country for 2026.
Still, the heart of this class will remain distinctly Ohioan.
A Message to the Nation
In a time when college football programs are battling for talent across all 50 states, Ohio State’s ability to dominate its home turf sends a clear message: the Buckeyes are still the kings of the Midwest.
And if the early returns from the 2026 class are any indication, that throne isn’t being relinquished anytime soon.
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