Eric Boggs
Ohio State’s recruitment efforts at the cornerback position for the class of 2026 are beginning to take shape as the Buckeyes navigate a highly competitive national landscape. With top prospects already on the radar and others still being evaluated, Ryan Day and his staff are working tirelessly to secure elite talent in the defensive backfield, a position that has historically been a strength for the program.
To date, the Buckeyes have secured a commitment from Jakob Weatherspoon, a promising in-state talent from Avon, Ohio. Ranked in the top 300 nationally, Weatherspoon gives Ohio State a solid foundation upon which to build the rest of the class. But with high-profile targets across the country, the task of closing out the cornerback room with top-tier talent is far from over.
One of the most watched recruitments is that of Elbert Hill from Northeast Ohio. Once thought to be a lock for the Buckeyes, Hill is now trending toward the USC Trojans. The news came after a crystal ball prediction favored USC, suggesting that Hill may be looking for an opportunity outside the Midwest. He’s scheduled to take official visits to Ohio State and LSU later this spring, but also has trips lined up to Oregon, USC, and Alabama. His recruitment has begun to mirror that of former Ohio prospect Trey McNutt, who ended up committing to Oregon last year. Although things appear to be drifting away from Columbus, there’s still hope that the Buckeyes can keep Hill home with a strong final push.
Another national name gaining traction is Haven Finney, a 6’2” cornerback out of Sierra Canyon High School in California. A top-100 prospect, Finney is drawing attention from multiple blue-bloods including Oregon, USC, LSU, Michigan, and Ohio State. He is scheduled to visit Columbus on June 13, followed by USC and LSU. While LSU appears to have the upper hand, Ohio State remains firmly in the mix and could change the tide with a strong visit experience.
Donovan Webb, a versatile defensive back from Texas, is also a name to monitor. While Webb may ultimately project more as a safety than a pure cornerback, the Buckeyes are recruiting him with flexibility in mind. His official visit to Ohio State is set for May 30, just before he heads to Michigan on June 6. If the recruitment comes down to a traditional Buckeye-Wolverine battle, Ohio State’s development record in the secondary could be a deciding factor.
One of the more exciting targets for Ohio State fans is Jordan Thomas, the highly-rated cornerback out of New Jersey. Ranked 176th nationally and second in his state at the position, Thomas has seen his recruitment heat up in recent weeks with programs like Notre Dame, A&M, USC, Oregon, Alabama, and Georgia now in the picture. Despite that surge, Ohio State is believed to be one of the frontrunners. The Buckeyes have had great success recruiting in New Jersey, and Thomas’ combination of size, speed, and upside make him a priority target.
With Weatherspoon already in the fold, Ohio State appears to be pushing hardest for Hill, Finney, Webb, and Thomas. Of those, Jordan Thomas looks like the most probable addition, while Hill remains a wild card and Finney may lean elsewhere depending on how visits go. Webb provides positional flexibility, potentially filling both safety and cornerback roles depending on how the rest of the class develops.
As things stand, Buckeye fans can be cautiously optimistic about this cornerback class. If the staff is able to close on Thomas and make up ground with Hill, it would represent another strong showing in secondary recruiting for a program known for producing NFL-caliber defensive backs.
