Ohio State Buckeyes Secure Commitment from Five-Star Offensive Tackle Felix Ojo

Ohio State Buckeyes Secure Commitment from Five-Star Offensive Tackle Felix Ojo

 

In a monumental recruiting win that could significantly shape the future of their offensive front, the Ohio State Buckeyes have landed the commitment of five-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo, a massive, agile, and technically refined lineman from Mansfield Lake Ridge High School in Texas. With his decision, Ojo becomes the highest-ranked offensive lineman to commit to the Buckeyes’ 2026 class and a marquee addition to a program that prides itself on producing NFL-ready talent, especially in the trenches. Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing in at 274 pounds, Ojo is the epitome of a modern offensive tackle—a rare blend of size, athleticism, intelligence, and intensity that scouts and coaches dream of. His commitment is not only a testament to his growing stature in high school football but also to the relentless recruiting efforts spearheaded by head coach Ryan Day and offensive line coach Tyler Bowen, both of whom played key roles in making Columbus feel like home to the Texas standout.

 

Ojo is ranked as the No. 3 offensive tackle and the No. 7 overall prospect in the entire 2026 recruiting class by 247Sports, an evaluation that aligns with the consensus among major scouting platforms. His tape jumps off the screen. Whether it’s his quick first step, violent punch, ability to mirror edge rushers, or just his field awareness, there’s an edge to his play that belies his youth. More importantly, he carries himself like a professional already, with a humble but focused demeanor that reflects a high football IQ. During his junior season at Lake Ridge, Ojo allowed zero sacks and was flagged just twice in over 600 offensive snaps, showcasing a rare discipline in pass protection to go along with his dominant run-blocking ability. His blend of natural gifts and advanced technique makes him one of the safest and most exciting prospects in the class.

 

Ojo’s decision to commit to Ohio State came after an official visit to the campus in Columbus on May 30. It was during this visit that the Buckeyes’ culture, coaching staff, and facilities made a lasting impression on the five-star talent. “What excites me about the Buckeyes is the opportunity to play early and the family atmosphere of the program,” Ojo said during a post-visit interview. “Coach Day and Coach Bowen made me feel like I was already part of the brotherhood. And when you look at what Ohio State does with offensive linemen—how they develop guys and prepare them for the NFL—it just made sense for me.” Those words are a clear indicator that Ojo was not only impressed with the football infrastructure at Ohio State but also felt a deeper emotional and cultural connection to the program.

 

That emotional connection is something Ohio State’s staff has worked hard to cultivate with Ojo since his sophomore year. Recruiting a national prospect from Texas—especially someone being aggressively courted by powerhouse programs like Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama, and even Deion Sanders’ Colorado—is no easy feat. Yet the Buckeyes maintained consistent communication, scheduled multiple visits, and made sure Ojo knew he was a priority from day one. Coach Bowen, in particular, developed a close relationship with Ojo and his family, offering not just a path to development but a vision of Ojo anchoring the Ohio State offensive line for years to come. “They didn’t treat me like just another player,” Ojo said. “They showed me how I’d fit in their scheme, how I’d grow in their system, and they talked about life beyond football, which means a lot.”

 

The Buckeyes’ track record in developing offensive linemen for the next level undoubtedly played a role in Ojo’s decision. Just this past April, two Ohio State linemen were selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft—an achievement that underscores the program’s ability to mold elite talent into professional-caliber players. From Paris Johnson Jr. to Nicholas Petit-Frere, and now new-wave linemen like Donovan Jackson and Luke Montgomery, the Buckeyes have consistently produced top-tier linemen who transition smoothly to the NFL. That legacy wasn’t lost on Ojo or his family. “When you see guys like Paris Johnson going top ten and then giving back to the community, you know you’re joining something bigger than football,” said Ojo’s father, Sunday Ojo. “It’s about education, character, and long-term development. That’s what made Ohio State stand out.”

 

Ojo’s addition also enhances an already impressive 2026 recruiting class for the Buckeyes, which features blue-chip linemen like Maxwell Riley and Sam Greer from Ohio, and the highly touted interior lineman Tucker Smith out of Arizona. With Ojo now in the mix, Ohio State’s offensive line of the future looks more formidable than ever, and it’s already being hailed as potentially one of the best position groups nationally for the cycle. The synergy between these prospects—who have already begun forming bonds through visits, social media, and camps—could translate into early chemistry once they arrive in Columbus. According to insiders close to the program, the coaching staff envisions a future where Ojo and Riley could man the tackle positions while Greer and Smith anchor the interior, giving the Buckeyes a foundation as solid as any in the country.

 

Perhaps just as important as the on-field implications is the message Ojo’s commitment sends across the recruiting landscape. This is a win over SEC and Big 12 territory, a signal that Ohio State remains a national power in recruiting and that their footprint extends far beyond the Midwest. Beating out programs like Texas and Oklahoma for an elite in-state lineman is no small feat, particularly when those programs can offer proximity, NIL incentives, and the prestige of being hometown heroes. Yet Ojo saw something more in Ohio State—a vision and a structure that he believes can unlock his full potential. His recruitment was not short of drama. Texas made a late push with in-home visits and an aggressive NIL pitch, while Deion Sanders himself made multiple overtures on behalf of Colorado. But ultimately, the Buckeyes’ consistent messaging and national brand prevailed.

 

Another underrated aspect of Ojo’s recruitment was the role played by Ohio State’s current and former players, who often speak candidly with recruits during visits. According to reports, Ojo spent considerable time with current Buckeye linemen during his official visit and came away impressed with their honesty and camaraderie. “They didn’t sugarcoat anything,” Ojo said. “They told me it’s hard work, but that the coaches care and push you to be your best. That’s what I want. I’m not looking for shortcuts—I want to earn everything.” That mindset aligns perfectly with the ethos that Ryan Day has instilled in the program. For Day, recruiting Ojo wasn’t just about adding talent—it was about identifying future leaders and competitors who would thrive under Ohio State’s demanding but supportive system.

 

Ojo now returns to Texas with the weight of expectations and the spotlight of being a Buckeye commit, but if his demeanor is any indication, he is more than ready. Those who have followed his high school career closely describe him as mature beyond his years, a player who leads by example and lifts the performance of those around him. His head coach at Lake Ridge, Donald Kindred, has consistently praised Ojo’s discipline and coachability. “He’s the kind of kid you build a program around,” Kindred said. “He watches film like a college player, asks the right questions, and is always looking to get better. Ohio State’s getting a gem.”

 

Ojo plans to graduate early and enroll at Ohio State in January of 2026, a move that will give him a full spring and summer to acclimate to college-level training and competition. While earning immediate playing time at a place like Ohio State is never guaranteed, insiders suggest that Ojo will be given every opportunity to compete for a role right away. His body is still developing, and with the Buckeyes’ elite strength and conditioning program, it’s expected he’ll fill out his frame to around 295–305 pounds without sacrificing any of his agility. Once physically ready, his technical polish and mental toughness could very well earn him a place in the two-deep as a true freshman.

 

There’s still a long way to go before Ojo steps foot on the field at Ohio Stadium, but the ripple effects of his commitment are already being felt. Several top recruits in the 2026 class have reacted to his decision, with some expressing interest in joining him in Columbus. Wide receiver sensation Bryce West from California tweeted, “That’s a big-time move by Felix. BuckeyeNation turning up.” Even current players seemed energized, with junior offensive lineman Josh Fryar posting, “Welcome to the family, big fella. Time to get to work.” The commitment has injected momentum into Ohio State’s recruiting machine, and with official visit season heating up, more dominoes may soon fall.

 

Ultimately, the story of Felix Ojo is still being written. But this chapter—his decision to commit to Ohio State—already reads like the beginning of something special. He’s more than a five-star talent; he’s a tone-setter, a cornerstone, and potentially, a future first-round NFL Draft pick. The Buckeyes have struck gold in the Lone Star State, and the impact of this commitment could resonate for years to come. For now, Ohio State fans can celebrate the arrival of a future star and the affirmation that the program continues to attract the best of the best—on and off the field. With Felix Ojo in scarlet and gray, the future of Ohio State’s offensive line looks brighter than ever.