Ohio State Buckeyes are dealing with a major college football program with deep pockets trying to take away their prized recruit

The Buckeyes will have to hold onto him until signing day.

Brandon Little — Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer
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Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK


Things have been very good for the Ohio State Buckeyes not only on the football field, but on the recruiting trail, too. Ohio State has received four commitments over the last eight days, and it’s heating up as we get late into the 2026 cycle. 

Ohio State is not only trying to flip recruits who are committed to other programs, but it’s also having to keep those who have committed to the class. The early signing period is less than a month away, and the Buckeyes will stay busy throughout that time. 

Recent Ohio State commitments

  • 2026 four-star DT Emanuel Ruffin
  • 2026 three-star OL Mason Wilhlem
  • 2027 four-star OL Kellen Wymer
  • 2027 three-star OL Mason Wilt

The Buckeyes have one major school still trying to get their top recruit 

Five-star wideout Chris Henry Jr. is the top wideout committed to play for the Buckeyes in the class of 2026, and he’s been committed since July of 2023. Since then, the Oregon Ducks have been the biggest competitor to try to flip Henry. Now, the Buckeyes are dealing with a program that is known for spending heavy NIL dollars. 

“Miami is now pushing very hard, along with USC, to try and flip him, and then Oregon and Texas are in the mix. Henry is so close with Hartline that when he interviewed for the West Virginia job last season (the Mountaineers re-hired Rich Rodriguez), Henry told people he might follow Hartline to Morgantown, also because his late father played there.” — Adam Gorney, Rivals 

Henry Jr. is the No. 2-rated wideout in the class of 2026 and No. 20 overall recruit, per 247sports Composite Rankings. The recruiting of the wide receiver position overall, not just Henry, will rely on what happens with offensive coordinator Brian Hartline. If Hartline leaves Columbus to take one of the open head coaching jobs, Henry would likely think about following him. The same can be said about other recruits. 

Wide receiver recruiting has been special under Hartline, and we’re seeing that on the field every Saturday with Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. Henry Jr. and his teammate Kayden Dixon-Wyatt are the top players committed to the Buckeyes at the position, and Ohio State will have other teams trying to poach them up until signing day.

Henry Jr. has been solid throughout his commitment with the Buckeyes, and there’s no reason to expect him to waiver with Hartline in Columbus. 

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