Eric Boggs
Ohio State has struck again on the recruiting trail, flipping four-star athlete Legend Bey from Tennessee and adding one of the most dynamic players in the country to its 2026 class. The Forney, Texas, standout has drawn national attention for his rare combination of speed, power, and versatility—and now he’ll bring that athleticism to Columbus.
Listed as a quarterback, Bey projects as a multi-positional offensive weapon at Ohio State, capable of lining up in the backfield, the slot, or as a return specialist. The Buckeyes see him as a unique piece who can stretch defenses and create mismatches all over the field. His athletic profile is elite: a verified 4.33-second 40-yard dash, a 38-inch vertical leap, and an 11-foot-1 broad jump—numbers that would rank among the best at the NFL Combine.
Ohio State was a top contender in Bey’s original recruitment, finishing among his five finalists alongside Tennessee, Texas A&M, Duke, and West Virginia after offering him in January. While Texas A&M led for much of the process, Tennessee surged ahead and landed his commitment in June. But Ryan Day, wide receivers coach Brian Hartline, and running backs coach Carlos Locklyn never stopped recruiting him. The Buckeyes hosted Bey for an official visit during their 38-14 win over Penn State, and the experience sealed the deal.
With his commitment, Bey becomes the 25th member of Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class and the fourth player in five days to join the Buckeyes, following cornerback Jay Timmons, offensive lineman Mason Wilhelm, and defensive tackle Emanuel Ruffin.
On the field, Bey is as electric as they come. As a junior at North Forney High School (TX), he rushed for 1,912 yards and 28 touchdowns, averaging 11.7 yards per carry, while throwing for 1,444 yards and 13 scores. His senior season has been even more efficient—1,356 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns to go along with 1,138 passing yards and 14 touchdowns. In total, he’s responsible for more than 4,000 rushing yards, 3,500 passing yards, and over 100 touchdowns in his high school career.
Beyond football, Bey is a decorated track athlete, posting wind-aided 100-meter times of 10.23 and 10.73 seconds, numbers that highlight the top-end speed that translates seamlessly to the football field. That burst, paired with his natural balance and quick-twitch acceleration, makes him a threat to score every time he touches the ball.
If Bey is deployed as a running back, he’ll join four-star Favour Akih in the backfield for the 2026 class. If he transitions to wide receiver, he’ll become part of another elite group for Hartline, joining five-star Chris Henry Jr., four-stars Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, Jerquaden Guilford, and Jaeden Ricketts, and three-star Brock Boyd. The Buckeyes could even use him in both roles, maximizing his playmaking potential.
Bey’s years as a high school quarterback give him an advanced understanding of defensive schemes and spatial awareness that should make his transition to a new position seamless. He’s also expected to contribute early as a return specialist, where his open-field vision and top-end acceleration could make him one of the Big Ten’s most dangerous weapons.
Legend Bey’s commitment isn’t just another recruiting win—it’s a statement about Ohio State’s ability to attract the nation’s most dynamic athletes. His versatility and elite athleticism add another dimension to Ryan Day’s already explosive offense, ensuring the Buckeyes’ future remains as fast and fearsome as ever.
