Ohio State may have lost the lead for elite five-star player to an unexpected SEC school shortly before scheduled commitment
The Buckeyes are in a tough battle for an elite recruit and they’re going to have to try to hang on.
The Ohio State Buckeyes currently hold the No. 9 ranked recruiting class for 2026, which is a bit of a drop from where they typically finish. The Buckeyes have missed on several key recruits this summer, though there is still time to make up ground.
Ohio State’s approach to revenue sharing and NIL may need some tweaking following this cycle if they do end up falling out of the top 10.
One five-star prospect remains in serious contention for the Buckeyes, though they may no longer be the favorite to land him. Auburn could now be ahead of Ohio State for five-star safety Bralan Womack.
Womack, long considered a heavy Ohio State lean, is set to announce his commitment on Aug. 21. According to Chad Simmons of On3, Auburn is currently the favorite.
“Ohio State came out of the spring as the favorite and went into the OVs as the team to beat. Auburn’s closed that gap, and Florida’s trying to push hard. (Texas) A&M is the fourth school on the list, but they’ve faded this summer. Right now, I lean slightly towards Auburn, with Ohio State right there in a tough battle that I think will go down to just hours before he makes that announcement,” Simmons reported.
Womack is the No. 1 safety in the class of 2026 and the No. 15 overall player, according to the 247Sports Composite. If you’re looking for a player who could be the next Caleb Downs, Womack might fit the bill.
Ohio State has already landed the No. 5 safety, Blaine Bradford, and Simeon Caldwell, the No. 6 linebacker per 247Sports. The Buckeyes have recruited Caldwell as a safety, though his frame may eventually push him to linebacker.
The next 10 days will be crucial for Womack’s recruitment, and Ohio State will need to make a strong final push if they want to secure his commitment.
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