Eric Boggs
Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class received a significant boost this week as three-star offensive lineman Tucker Smith announced his commitment to the Buckeyes. Smith, an Arizona native, saw his recruitment take a major turn when head coach Ryan Day extended an offer last Friday. Wasting little time, Smith accepted the offer less than a week later, officially pledging to Ohio State on Wednesday. With his commitment, Smith becomes the third offensive lineman to join the Buckeyes in the past month and the seventh overall member of the 2026 class.
The addition of Smith is yet another impressive recruiting win for new offensive line coach Tyler Bowen, who is making an immediate impact in Columbus. Bowen has now secured two commitments in as many days, following the Tuesday pledge of in-state tackle Sam Greer. His recruiting success also includes fellow Ohioan Maxwell Riley, another elite offensive tackle prospect. Bowen’s early efforts suggest he is quickly establishing himself as a force on the recruiting trail for the Buckeyes.
Smith, ranked No. 844 overall and No. 72 among interior offensive linemen according to 247Sports’ composite rankings, had a rapidly rising recruiting profile. With 12 scholarship offers—many of which arrived in recent months—he appears to be a late bloomer in the 2026 class. Ohio State edged out a competitive list of suitors, including Arizona, Arizona State, Arkansas, Iowa State, Kansas State, Minnesota, Oklahoma State, Oregon State, Purdue, USC, and Washington, to secure his commitment.
At 6-foot-5 and 280 pounds, Smith has experience playing all over the offensive line, including center, guard, and tackle. While he projects as an interior lineman at the next level, his frame and skill set offer the flexibility to move to tackle if needed. Smith primarily lines up at left tackle in high school, displaying impressive mobility, fluidity in space, and the ability to reach the second level effectively. He possesses strong fundamentals, showcasing good bend, lateral quickness, and the footwork to neutralize speed rushers. His physicality and tenacity through the whistle make him an ideal fit for Ohio State’s high-intensity offensive line culture.
Smith’s combination of versatility, technique, and competitiveness makes him a valuable addition to the Buckeyes’ future front line. With Bowen’s early recruiting success, Ohio State continues to solidify its offensive line for years to come, ensuring the program remains dominant in the trenches.
