Eric Boggs
Ohio State fans have another reason to celebrate as the Buckeyes secured their first defensive line commitment for the 2026 class in four-star California prospect Khary Wilder. Just days after landing in-state running back Favour Akih, Wilder’s decision marks the 15th overall commitment for the class and reinforces the Buckeyes’ national reach on the recruiting trail. His commitment came shortly after an official visit to Columbus on May 30, where he immediately connected with defensive line coach Larry Johnson and the rest of the OSU staff.
Although his recruitment moved quickly, there was nothing rushed about the Buckeyes’ approach. Johnson, along with senior analyst Matt Patricia, visited Wilder this spring and made it clear he was a top priority. That message resonated, and less than two weeks after his visit, Wilder made it official.
Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 260 pounds, Wilder brings size, athleticism, and versatility to the defensive front. He’s ranked as the No. 248 overall prospect and the No. 23 edge rusher in the 2026 class according to the 247Sports Composite. While he’s capable of lining up at multiple spots, he projects to start his college career at defensive end, giving Ohio State another long, explosive athlete off the edge.
His production backs up the rankings. As a junior, Wilder tallied 86 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 40 quarterback hurries, and six pass deflections. The season before that, he recorded 75 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, and 29 quarterback pressures. He’s disruptive, relentless, and built for the kind of aggressive front Ohio State fans are used to seeing under Johnson.
Wilder is also a multi-sport athlete, excelling on the basketball court, which only adds to his profile as a fluid, high-motor competitor. He’ll be a four-year starter this fall at his high school and could serve as a tone-setter for the rest of the defensive haul in the 2026 cycle.
Adding to the intrigue, Wilder’s teammate—2027 five-star cornerback Duvay Williams—is a top target for secondary coach Tim Walton and could be next in line to join the Buckeye brotherhood. Quarterback commit Brady Edmunds is already playing a key role in peer recruiting for Williams, and Wilder’s presence in Columbus certainly won’t hurt those efforts.
For Buckeye fans, this is exactly the type of move to get excited about. Wilder brings proven production, high upside, and a clear belief in what Ohio State is building. With Johnson’s track record of developing defensive linemen into NFL talent, Wilder’s commitment is another sign that the Buckeyes are reloading with top-tier talent to keep the Silver Bullets flying.
