Eric Boggs
Ohio State’s thrilling 34-23 National Championship victory over Notre Dame wasn’t just a momentous occasion for the team and fans—it also set the stage for an impactful weekend on the recruiting trail. With top prospects visiting Columbus for the championship celebration, the Buckeyes aim to leverage their on-field success to solidify relationships with key recruits and build for the future.
Maxwell Riley
Ohio State’s celebration will feature four-star offensive tackle Maxwell Riley, one of the most important recruits in attendance. Riley, an in-state standout from Avon Lake, has narrowed his options to Ohio State and Clemson. As he eyes a potential decision within the next month, the Buckeyes are eager to make a lasting impression on this highly coveted prospect.
Adam Guthrie and Sam Greer
Ohio State will also host two additional in-state offensive tackle prospects, Adam Guthrie and Sam Greer, both four-star talents. Their presence underscores the Buckeyes’ focus on fortifying their offensive line for the future.
Jakob Weatherspoon and Kaden Gebhardt
Four-star cornerback Jakob Weatherspoon and four-star safety Kaden Gebhardt are expected to join the celebration in Columbus. Both players are top defensive targets for Ohio State, and their attendance signals the program’s intent to build on its championship momentum in recruiting.
Favour Akih
Delaware, Ohio’s own Favour Akih, a four-star running back in the 2026 class, is another exciting prospect attending the event. Akih had a standout junior season, rushing for 1,600 yards and 19 touchdowns in just nine games. Although Ohio State has yet to extend an offer, Sunday’s event could change that. Akih is already drawing national attention with offers from schools such as Penn State, USC, and Michigan State.
Cincere Johnson
Four-star linebacker Cincere Johnson, ranked the No. 7 linebacker in the 2026 class, recently included Ohio State in his top 10 schools. Johnson, a Glenville High School product, has longstanding ties to Ohio State’s program and has visited Columbus multiple times. The Buckeyes’ championship celebration provides another chance to solidify their position with the talented linebacker.
Jonathan Hatton Jr.
Even before Sunday’s event, Ohio State’s recruiting efforts have been in full swing. Running backs coach Carlos Locklyn visited Texas to meet with four-star tailback Jonathan Hatton Jr., a top-50 prospect and the No. 3 running back in the 2026 class. Hatton, who rushed for 1,147 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, has expressed interest in visiting Columbus in the coming weeks. Locklyn’s visit highlights Ohio State’s proactive approach to maintaining its recruiting momentum.
As Ohio State celebrates its championship victory, the weekend’s recruiting events showcase the program’s dedication to securing its future on and off the field. By engaging with top-tier talent like Maxwell Riley and Jonathan Hatton Jr., the Buckeyes are poised to capitalize on their success and continue their tradition of excellence.
