Eric Boggs
Brian Hartline has once again demonstrated why he is considered one of the premier recruiters and developers of wide receiver talent in college football, as Ohio State secured a commitment from one of the most dynamic playmakers in the 2026 cycle: Kayden Dixon-Wyatt.
Dixon-Wyatt, a four-star standout from California powerhouse Mater Dei, became the fourth wide receiver to join Ohio State’s already stacked 2026 class. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 180 pounds, Dixon-Wyatt brings a physical and versatile presence to the Buckeyes’ offense, making him a nightmare matchup for opposing secondaries. His commitment adds yet another elite talent to Hartline’s growing legacy in Columbus.
The Mater Dei product chose the Buckeyes over serious competition, particularly a late push from Oregon and USC. But ultimately, Dixon-Wyatt made it clear: “If you want to be an elite receiver, you go to Ohio State.” That level of confidence speaks volumes about both his mindset and the strength of the Buckeye brand when it comes to producing NFL-ready wideouts.
Rated the No. 107 overall prospect and the No. 15 wide receiver in the 2026 class by 247Sports Composite, Dixon-Wyatt’s decision was heavily influenced by Hartline’s unmatched track record of preparing receivers for the next level. From the moment he was offered by Ohio State in March 2024, the Buckeyes were in the driver’s seat. Multiple visits to Columbus — including for the 2024 season opener and the spring game in April — only solidified his bond with the program. He’s slated to return for his official visit on May 30.
The Santa Ana native brings more than just rankings to the table. He tallied 50 receptions for 693 yards and five touchdowns as a junior, following a sophomore campaign that saw him notch 33 catches for 512 yards and six scores. His ability to make contested catches, stretch the field, and block with physicality gives the Buckeyes a complete receiver with high upside.
Notably, Dixon-Wyatt will reunite with his high school teammate and fellow Buckeye commit, five-star wideout Chris Henry Jr. Their established chemistry at Mater Dei could be a valuable asset when both arrive in Columbus. Alongside fellow commits Jaeden Ricketts and Brock Boyd, this 2026 wide receiver class looks like another masterpiece curated by Hartline — and Dixon-Wyatt may very well be the centerpiece.
While Ohio State’s receiver room is consistently deep with top-tier talent, Dixon-Wyatt has the tools to carve out playing time early in his career. If development and opportunity align, Buckeye fans could see him contributing meaningfully as soon as his sophomore year.
In other Buckeye news, Ohio State added transfer kicker Jackson Courville from Ball State. The Dayton native brings a strong leg and experience, having made 26-of-34 field goals across two seasons, including a perfect 2-for-2 mark from 50-plus yards last year. Courville, who has two years of eligibility, could redshirt this season while competing with returning starter Jayden Fielding.
The Buckeyes also continued to bolster their roster through the transfer portal with the additions of defensive end Beau Atkinson (North Carolina), offensive lineman Justin Terry (West Virginia), and long snapper Grant Mills (North Carolina). Mills, expected to walk on, helps fill a crucial depth role at long snapper after multiple departures at the position. With four years of eligibility, he’ll provide insurance behind returning starter John Ferlmann.
But the spotlight this week belongs to Kayden Dixon-Wyatt — a physical, competitive, and high-upside receiver who chose to don the Scarlet and Gray because he knows what so many others have come to learn: Ohio State is the destination for elite wideouts.
