Ohio State Buckeyes already have a backup plan after losing key recruiting target to a Big Ten foe
The Ohio State Buckeyes picked up their 16th commitment for the class of 2026 with the addition of four-star linebacker Cincere Johnson. His commitment gives Ohio State its second linebacker and seventh defensive pledge overall. There was a chance the Buckeyes could land two commitments today, but that won’t be the case. A major four-star […]
The Ohio State Buckeyes picked up their 16th commitment for the class of 2026 with the addition of four-star linebacker Cincere Johnson. His commitment gives Ohio State its second linebacker and seventh defensive pledge overall.
There was a chance the Buckeyes could land two commitments today, but that won’t be the case. A major four-star EDGE target is heading elsewhere within the Big Ten.
Four-star EDGE Luke Wafle picks USC over Ohio State and Penn State
The Buckeyes missed out on EDGE Luke Wafle in a battle that went back and forth between USC and Ohio State leading up to his commitment. According to multiple reports, USC ultimately offered Wafle a significant NIL deal that Ohio State was unwilling to match.
Wafle was the Buckeyes’ top-ranked EDGE target, checking in as the No. 6 player at the position, per the 247Sports Composite. The New Jersey native is now headed across the country to play for Lincoln Riley and the Trojans.
Ohio State to host four-star EDGE KJ Ford for official visit
Earlier in the day, news broke that Ohio State will host Duncanville (TX) four-star EDGE KJ Ford for an official visit this weekend. Ford had originally been scheduled to visit USC, but Wafle’s commitment appears to have shifted his plans.
Ford is ranked as the No. 15 EDGE and the No. 116 overall player in the 2026 class, per the 247Sports Composite. Texas A&M, Florida, and Alabama are also in the mix for the 6-foot-3, 245-pound prospect.
While missing out on Wafle is a setback, Ohio State seems to have a clear backup plan already in motion. Getting Ford on campus this weekend is a quick rebound—and about as well as you can respond in today’s fast-moving recruiting landscape.
Ohio State Buckeyes land crucial target and hand Jim Knowles, Penn State a loss in the process
An addition for the Buckeyes.
