Ohio State just became one step closer to landing a major recruit who could end up a star for their defense
The 2026 high school recruiting class continues to churn out talent. Among some of the top defenders in the class, Ohio State is a player for a handful of them. They've made the cut for one of the top defensive talents in the top-flight region of Texas and Oklahoma recently. Ohio State is a finalist […]
The 2026 high school recruiting class continues to churn out talent. Among some of the top defenders in the class, Ohio State is a player for a handful of them. They've made the cut for one of the top defensive talents in the top-flight region of Texas and Oklahoma recently.
Ohio State is a finalist for KJ Ford
The Buckeyes are one of twelve finalists for the number two EDGE in Texas, according to On3. Ohio State will have plenty of you legitimate competition for his commitment. Ford is from Duncanville, Texas.
Ford is the 109th-ranked player in his class overall, according to On3. He's rated as a four-star pass rusher in his class.
Ohio State offered Ford just four days ago. He posted about the big-time offer from Ryan Day's team on social media. A visit to Columbus could be in the cards at some point for Ford.
Ford is considered to be a top-100 recruit on the 247Sports ranking, currently sitting as the No. 97 overall player on their ranking. On that ranking, Ford is rated as the No. 10 EDGE and No. 16 player in Texas in the 2026 recruiting class. Ford is also rated as the No. 105 overall player on the 247Sports Composite ranking. — Ryan Roberts
In two years of varsity football with the Duncanville Panthers, Ford has totaled 110 total tackles, 30 TFLs, and 9.5 sacks. His 6'3, 245-pound frame is certainly prototypical size, even for a starting pass rusher at the power four level for college football.
The Buckeyes are no strangers to elite talent off the edge, either. Both Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau are projected to be day two picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. They'll have to replace their production in the coming seasons, and Ford can be a piece to that puzzle down the road.
We will see if the Buckeyes can stay in the game for the potential star. He would be a massive add to their 2026 HS recruiting class on defense.
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