Eric Boggs
Ohio State secured a massive recruiting victory with the commitment of Blaine Bradford, the top-rated safety in the 2026 class. His decision to join the Buckeyes came on the heels of a weekend visit to Columbus, where he observed a team scrimmage, participated in position meetings, and witnessed first-hand the coaching styles of Matt Guerrieri and Tim Walton. It was enough to solidify Ohio State as his future home.
Bradford’s commitment gives the Buckeyes a total of eight pledges in the 2026 class and makes him the first safety in that group. He also becomes the second composite five-star recruit in the class, joining elite wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. Ohio State had to fend off stiff competition from LSU—his hometown team—and Texas to land his services. It’s no small feat to lure a top Louisiana talent away from the SEC, particularly from LSU, but the relationships cultivated by Guerrieri and Walton played a pivotal role in swinging the decision in Ohio State’s favor.
With Bradford’s commitment, Guerrieri continues to establish himself as a premier recruiter in Columbus. Having already secured Faheem Delane, the No. 2 safety in the 2025 class, Guerrieri has now landed an elite safety prospect in consecutive recruiting cycles. While modern recruiting battles are never over until signing day, this marks a major milestone for Ohio State’s 2026 class.
Bradford has been on Ohio State’s radar since earning an offer last summer after a standout performance at a recruiting camp. His consistent engagement with the coaching staff and multiple visits to Columbus underscored his interest, culminating in his decision to commit. His presence bolsters the Buckeyes’ defensive future, and his potential at the collegiate level seems limitless.
According to 247Sports’ composite rankings, Bradford is the No. 23 overall prospect and the top safety in his class. He primarily plays as a traditional safety but possesses the versatility to be deployed anywhere in the secondary. Standing at 6-foot-1 and 207 pounds, he has the physicality to dominate as a tackler while maintaining the speed necessary to match up with elite wide receivers. Whether he lines up as a free safety, strong safety, or in the box, defensive coordinator Matt Patricia will have plenty of options for how to utilize his talents. His playing style draws comparisons to Caleb Downs, who made a significant impact in a similar role last season.
Bradford’s physical attributes make him an imposing presence in run support, showcasing a quick trigger when diagnosing plays and the ability to shed blocks effectively. He attacks downhill with an aggressive mindset, breaking down and finishing tackles with power. While his coverage ability remains an area to evaluate further due to a knee injury that limited his sophomore season, his athleticism suggests he has the tools to excel in that area as well.
Beyond football, Bradford is a multi-sport athlete, excelling in baseball and track and field. He recorded an 11.73-second 100-meter time during his sophomore season and contributed to his team’s 4×100 relay efforts in Spring 2024. His speed and explosiveness on the track translate well to the football field, further highlighting his high ceiling.
As he enters his junior year, Bradford projects as a dynamic defender capable of playing multiple roles in Ohio State’s secondary. His combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ positions him as a future All-Big Ten performer and potential early-round NFL Draft selection. If he continues on his current trajectory, he could be a centerpiece of Ohio State’s defense for years to come.
