Eric Boggs
Ohio State’s defensive line just got another major boost. On Sunday, four-star defensive tackle Emanuel Ruffin announced his commitment to the Buckeyes, becoming the highest-ranked defensive tackle and the third four-star defensive lineman in Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class. Ruffin, a former Colorado commit, flipped to the Buckeyes just five days after decommitting from the Buffaloes.
A native of Bessemer, Alabama, Ruffin is ranked as the No. 197 overall prospect and No. 26 defensive lineman in the 2026 class, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. At 6-foot-4 and 295 pounds, Ruffin has the size, strength, and explosiveness to be a disruptive force in the interior of the defensive line. Though he was used primarily as a 5-technique in high school, he projects as a defensive tackle or nose guard at the college level — a versatile piece who can fit into multiple looks within Larry Johnson’s defensive front.
Ohio State’s pursuit of Ruffin has been consistent and relentless. The Buckeyes were among his top schools during his initial recruitment, earning an official visit in June and remaining in the mix even after Ruffin’s July 4 commitment date came and went. When he chose Colorado in September, Ohio State continued to stay in contact. As the Buffaloes’ season began to unravel and questions grew about Deion Sanders’ health and program stability, Ruffin reopened his recruitment. It didn’t take long for Johnson and the Buckeyes to close the deal.
Ruffin’s combination of size and agility makes him one of the most unique defensive line prospects in the country. Scouts rave about his ability to penetrate gaps, create chaos in the backfield, and use his upper-body strength to shed blockers. He’s particularly quick for his size, showing impressive change-of-direction skills and range for a 295-pound interior lineman. His high-effort motor and physicality allow him to chase down plays from sideline to sideline — traits that fit perfectly into Ohio State’s aggressive defensive identity.
As a junior, Ruffin recorded 51 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery. He’s continued that production into his senior year, notching 40 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, and another fumble recovery in nine games. While he’ll continue to refine his pad level and hand technique to become a more consistent pass rusher, his natural athleticism and football IQ give him tremendous upside.
Ruffin joins an already loaded defensive line class that includes four-star Damari Simeon, three-star Cameron Brickle, three-star Jamir Perez, and four-star defensive end Khary Wilder. Together, they form one of the deepest and most balanced defensive line hauls in the country — a testament to Larry Johnson’s continued excellence in both evaluation and development.
With Ruffin’s pledge, Ohio State now has 24 commitments in its 2026 recruiting class, and he becomes the third addition in four days, following cornerback Jay Timmons and offensive lineman Mason Wilhelm.
Ruffin represents everything Ohio State looks for in a defensive lineman — size, speed, power, and relentless effort. His commitment solidifies the Buckeyes’ defensive future and ensures that the trenches in Columbus will remain a place where opposing offenses fear to tread.
