Eric Boggs
With the Buckeyes’ coaching staff hitting the recruiting trail before next week’s NCAA-mandated dead period, Ohio State is making a concerted effort to reinforce its presence among top prospects across multiple classes. In recent days, OSU has extended five new scholarship offers, further demonstrating its commitment to securing elite talent in Columbus.
Ryder Lyons: A Premier Quarterback Prospect
The most high-profile offer of the week went to five-star quarterback Ryder Lyons, as head coach Ryan Day and offensive analyst Billy Fessler personally extended the invitation on Friday. According to 247Sports’ composite rankings, Lyons is ranked as the No. 9 overall prospect and the No. 3 quarterback in the 2026 recruiting cycle.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 215 pounds, the California native has amassed an impressive 34 Division I offers, including from powerhouse programs such as Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, and USC. Lyons has showcased his dynamic abilities on the field, passing for 3,011 yards and 46 touchdowns with only six interceptions in his junior season. Additionally, he is a formidable rushing threat, amassing 585 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns in 2023 alone.
Ohio State is in search of a premier quarterback in the 2026 class, a task made more complex by the depth in the current quarterback room and the recent commitment of five-star talent Brady Edmunds in the 2027 cycle. Nonetheless, the Buckeyes remain aggressive in their pursuit of Lyons, as well as fellow top-tier quarterbacks Jared Curtis, Brady Smigiel, and other emerging names.
Bowe Bentley: A Dynamic Dual-Threat Playmaker
Fessler also extended an offer to Texas quarterback Bowe Bentley on Thursday. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound signal caller is rated as the No. 291 overall player and No. 18 quarterback in the 2026 cycle. Bentley has earned 27 Division I offers, with notable interest from Oklahoma, Florida State, and Wisconsin.
A proven leader, Bentley guided his team to a perfect 16-0 season and a state championship in 2023, contributing an astonishing 63 total touchdowns and over 4,200 yards of total offense. A true dual-threat quarterback, Bentley’s versatility stems from his early experience as a skill position player. His junior campaign saw him complete 171 of 245 passes for 3,211 yards and 47 touchdowns while throwing just seven interceptions.
CJ Sanna: Ohio’s Own Rising Star
Columbus has been a frequent destination for in-state linebacker CJ Sanna, who recently attended the Buckeyes’ championship celebration at Ohio Stadium. Linebackers coach James Laurinaitis officially extended an offer to the three-star prospect on Friday.
A standout defender at Olentangy High School, Sanna plays alongside fellow OSU target Kaden Gebhardt. In his junior season, the 6-foot-3, 225-pound linebacker recorded 97 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, seven sacks, eight quarterback hurries, two fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles. With OSU placing a strong emphasis on in-state recruiting, Sanna’s proximity to campus makes him an intriguing prospect to watch.
Legend Bey: A Dual-Sport Athlete with High Upside
Ohio State’s aggressive quarterback recruiting strategy continued as running backs coach Carlos Locklyn extended an offer to 2026 prospect Legend Bey. While Bey may not carry the same national ranking as some of his counterparts—sitting at No. 599 overall—his athletic versatility sets him apart.
At 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, the Texas native has already secured 22 Division I offers, including from Baylor, Michigan State, Oregon, and Notre Dame. A two-sport athlete, Bey also excels in track and field, showcasing his elite speed. As a junior, he completed 79 of 156 passes for 1,424 yards and 13 touchdowns, while also rushing for an eye-popping 1,852 yards and 28 rushing touchdowns. His sophomore campaign further highlighted his dynamic playmaking ability, as he tallied 731 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and 673 rushing yards with six additional scores.
Wonderful “Champ” Monds: A Future Star in the 2028 Class
Continuing their forward-thinking approach, the Buckeyes extended an offer to 2028 quarterback prospect Wonderful “Champ” Monds. The 6-foot-2, 224-pound signal caller is a former high school teammate of OSU freshman linebacker Tarvos Alford and has already attracted interest from major programs such as Florida, Miami, and Tennessee.
Monds made an immediate impact as a freshman starter, completing 67 percent of his passes for 2,234 yards, 23 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. Additionally, he proved to be a threat on the ground, rushing for 502 yards and nine touchdowns. While still several years away from stepping onto a college field, Monds’ development will be closely monitored by Ohio State’s coaching staff.
Ryan Day’s Relentless Recruiting Efforts
With the recruiting dead period fast approaching, Ryan Day and his staff have been working tirelessly to connect with top 2026 targets. Since Wednesday, Day has personally visited several high-profile recruits, including defensive end Deuce Geralds, offensive tackle Micah “Champ” Smith, running back Derrek Cooper, defensive lineman Preston Carey, cornerback Justice Fitzpatrick, and offensive lineman Pete Eglitis.
The Buckeyes’ aggressive approach to recruiting demonstrates their commitment to maintaining an elite roster. With offers being extended to some of the nation’s top talent, Ohio State continues to solidify itself as one of the premier destinations for college football’s best and brightest.
