Eric Boggs
Coming off a national championship victory, Ohio State quickly saw several key players declare for the NFL Draft. This was an expected outcome given the Buckeyes’ postseason success, but what was less anticipated was the significant turnover within the coaching staff. In addition to roster departures, Ohio State lost both its offensive and defensive coordinators, as well as its offensive line coach. The program immediately shifted its focus to filling these vacancies, ensuring the team remains in a strong position moving forward. Now that the offensive coaching staff has been solidified and the defensive hires are nearing completion, the Buckeyes can turn their attention to one of the most crucial aspects of maintaining success—recruiting.
With spring rapidly approaching, Ohio State is preparing for its upcoming practices and evaluating its roster ahead of the new season. The Buckeyes will also be hosting highly anticipated recruiting camps, where some of the nation’s most promising young prospects will have the opportunity to showcase their talents. These camps serve as a valuable tool in identifying future contributors to the program, and several top-tier recruits have already confirmed their upcoming visits to Columbus. The Buckeyes continue to be a premier destination for elite talent, and this year is no different, as multiple high-profile prospects from the 2026 class are set to visit Ohio State in the coming months.
One of the notable prospects making his way to campus is four-star running back Favour Akih from Delaware, Ohio. Standing at 6 feet and 190 pounds, Akih is no stranger to Ohio State, having visited the campus previously. His familiarity with the program and proximity to Columbus make him a natural target for the Buckeyes, and he has scheduled a return visit for March 17 during a spring practice. Ohio State has prioritized keeping top in-state talent within its ranks, and Akih’s continued interest in the program bodes well for the Buckeyes as they look to secure commitments for the future.
Another key recruit showing strong interest in Ohio State is four-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo from Mansfield, Texas. At 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds, Ojo has been a priority target in the 2026 recruiting cycle, and his connection with the coaching staff has remained strong. He was last in Columbus to celebrate Ohio State’s national championship and has confirmed that he will take an official visit, though a date has yet to be finalized. Ojo has expressed that the Buckeyes are among his top two schools, reinforcing the program’s reputation as a national powerhouse that continues to attract elite talent from across the country.
Defensive recruiting is also in full swing, with Ohio State actively pursuing three-star edge rusher Keysaun Eleazer from Raleigh, North Carolina. The Buckeyes extended an offer to Eleazer in November of last year, recognizing his potential as a disruptive pass-rusher at the collegiate level. The interest between both parties appears to be mutual, as Eleazer has scheduled four official visits, including one to Ohio State. The Buckeyes will have to compete with Georgia Tech, Penn State, and Virginia Tech, but their strong defensive tradition and championship pedigree position them well in his recruitment.
Ohio State’s efforts to secure top defensive talent continue with four-star safety Kaden Gebhardt from Lewis Center, Ohio. Like Eleazer, Gebhardt received his offer from the Buckeyes in November and has remained in close contact with the coaching staff. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound defensive back has scheduled an official visit to Columbus on June 5, further demonstrating his serious interest in the program. Although he will also visit Clemson and Penn State, Ohio State appears to be in a strong position to secure his commitment, particularly given the program’s history of developing elite defensive backs for the next level.
As Ohio State moves forward from its championship-winning season, recruiting remains a top priority in maintaining the program’s dominance. With key coaching positions filled and spring practices on the horizon, the Buckeyes are in a strong position to evaluate and secure the next wave of elite talent. The coming months will be crucial as the coaching staff works to solidify relationships with top recruits and continue building a roster capable of contending for future championships. Ohio State remains one of the premier destinations in college football, and the continued interest from high-level prospects is a testament to the program’s sustained excellence.
