Eric Boggs
Sam Greer Set to Visit Ohio State on March 17
Since joining the Buckeyes’ coaching staff, new offensive line coach Tyler Bowen has wasted no time making an impact on the recruiting trail. Bowen has actively extended offers and built relationships with top offensive line prospects, ensuring Ohio State remains competitive for elite talent. Among these priority recruits is in-state offensive tackle Sam Greer, a cornerstone of OSU’s 2026 recruiting class.
Greer and Bowen will have a prime opportunity to further their connection when Greer visits Columbus on March 17 to observe a spring practice. This visit holds significant importance, as it will allow Greer to evaluate Bowen’s coaching philosophy and techniques firsthand. The four-star lineman is also considering visits to Missouri, Michigan, Miami, Louisville, Tennessee, Florida, Florida State, and Wisconsin this spring. Notably, Greer was the second offensive lineman offered by Ohio State in the 2026 cycle, following Maxwell Riley.
“I felt extremely blessed and excited to get an offer from The Ohio State University,” Greer told Eleven Warriors. “Coach Day said he liked my size and athleticism and wanted me to help recruit other top players as well.”
Greer is expected to make his college decision later this summer, with Ohio State firmly in contention.
Elite Prospects Savion Hiter and Blaine Bradford Plan OSU Visits
Ohio State’s spring practices will be a hotbed for top-tier talent, with elite recruits making their way to Columbus. Two of the most highly sought-after prospects in the 2026 class, five-star running back Savion Hiter and five-star safety Blaine Bradford, have confirmed their upcoming visits.
Hiter, the No. 1 running back in the nation per 247Sports’ composite rankings, is scheduled to visit OSU on March 29 ahead of his official visit on May 30. The Buckeyes are battling Michigan, Georgia, and Tennessee for the Virginia native’s commitment.
Bradford, the top-ranked safety in his class, will make two stops in Columbus—March 28 and March 31—before returning for his official visit on June 13. Ohio State faces stiff competition from LSU and Texas for the Louisiana standout, but the Buckeyes remain in the mix for his services.
Derrek Cooper and Messiah Hampton Set Official Visits
Ohio State has also secured official visits from two key offensive targets in the 2026 class: four-star Florida running back Derrek Cooper and four-star New York wide receiver Messiah Hampton.
Cooper, ranked No. 31 in his class, will visit OSU on June 20. He also has official visits scheduled with Auburn, Miami, Alabama, Georgia, and Penn State. A versatile playmaker, Cooper rushed for 905 yards on 124 carries last season while adding 156 receiving yards and a touchdown. Additionally, he showcased his defensive prowess at safety, recording 46 tackles, four sacks, four pass breakups, three fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles.
Hampton, a dynamic wide receiver, has scheduled his official visit for June 13. He is also exploring options with Oregon, USC, and Miami while considering trips to Penn State, Syracuse, and North Carolina.
“Ohio State is WRU,” Hampton told On3. “Coach Hartline is one of the best receivers coaches in the country, and now that he’s the offensive coordinator, I want to get back and see them again this spring.”
With Bowen’s proactive recruiting efforts and OSU’s continued tradition of excellence, the Buckeyes remain a prime destination for the nation’s top talent. Buckeye Nation will be eagerly awaiting these visits, as Ohio State looks to solidify its standing among the elite programs in college football.
