Eric Boggs
From an Ohio State perspective, the Navy All-American Bowl once again served as a national showcase for the kind of elite talent the Buckeyes are assembling, as four future Buckeyes earned starting roles and delivered impactful performances in one of the country’s premier postseason all-star events.
Wide receivers Chris Henry Jr. and Jerquaden Guilford represented the West team, while offensive tackle Sam Greer and cornerback Jordan Thomas started for the East, a testament to the respect each has already earned among the nation’s top prospects. The game itself provided a glimpse of what Buckeye fans can expect in Columbus, particularly when Henry and Guilford each had key first-down completions that looked very much like a preview of future Saturdays inside Ohio Stadium.
Guilford’s impact went well beyond the game itself. He was one of the most consistent performers throughout the week of practices and was ultimately named West roster Practice Player of the Week, reinforcing why Ohio State’s staff has prioritized him as a difference-maker in the 2026 class. His route precision, separation ability and competitiveness at the catch point repeatedly stood out against elite defensive backs.
On the East roster, Greer handled the demanding left tackle assignment and held up well against top-tier edge talent, continuing a trend of steady development for one of Ohio State’s most important offensive line commitments. Thomas, meanwhile, delivered one of the defensive highlights of the game when he diagnosed a screen, knifed through traffic and dropped the receiver for a loss, flashing the instincts, closing speed and physicality that make him such a valuable piece of Ohio State’s secondary future.
The contest also underscored the overall strength of the 2026 recruiting landscape, including several elite prospects Ohio State battled for during the cycle. USC commit Luke Wafle earned Game MVP honors for the East after recording three sacks, three tackles for loss and a fumble recovery in a dominant performance that tied a game record. On the West side, USC receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt hauled in a touchdown pass, while Aiden Harris — who recently reclassified to the 2026 class and signed with South Carolina — posted seven tackles, two tackles for loss and a half sack.
