Ohio State set to host elite 2026 recruit against Purdue this weekend
Although the Ohio State Buckeyes have little to be concerned about this weekend as they host Purdue, the program isn't taking the week off completely. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has several top prospects coming in for visits. One of the top names who we just learned will be on campus is Madden Williams. […]
Although the Ohio State Buckeyes have little to be concerned about this weekend as they host Purdue, the program isn't taking the week off completely. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has several top prospects coming in for visits. One of the top names who we just learned will be on campus is Madden Williams.
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound playmaker is a 4-star recruit from Bellflower, California. The Buckeyes are in the mix with Texas, Penn State, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Oregon, and many others. It's always a good sign when a team is competing against other recruiting powerhouses.
This week's visit is an unofficial one, per Blair Angulo of 247Sports.
Here's a scouting report on Williams from Greg Biggins of 247Sports:
No receiver out West has impressed more on the camp and 7v7 circuit than Williams. Has really filled out his 6-2 frame and is a strong, powerful receiver and very good in jump and contested catch situations. A clever route runner who knows how to get open and can line up out wide or in the slot. Not a burner right now and needs to continue to improve his long speed but runs well enough and knows how to use his speed to set up a defensive back. Can get behind a defense because of his advanced route running and has very strong hands. Highly competitive receiver who wants the ball and has shown he has the raw talent to be a No. 1 WR at the Power 4 level.
Some fans may be annoyed that Ohio State is always chasing receivers, but help is needed. The Buckeyes have four receivers coming in 2025, but by the time Williams would be on campus, the rotation will be short. Ohio State can anticipate some potential transfers and early NFL declarations among their young rotation who will still be here in two years.
Top receiver recruit and 5-star prospect Chris Henry Jr. is the lone commit for the Buckeyes in 2026. If recruiting rankings prove prophetic, my guess is Ohio State's 2026 receiving depth chart will feature Henry, Carnell Tate, Jeremiah Smith, Mylan Graham, and either Brandon Inniss or one of the 2025 additions.
Change will inevitably happen, either from Tate breaking out in 2025 and declaring early, Graham not breaking into the rotation, Inniss transferring out, or one of the 2025 recruits exceeding expectations. Even so, Williams looks like an ideal redshirt candidate in his freshman season before getting the chance to win a role.
