Eric Boggs
As Ohio State looks to build its 2026 recruiting class, Ryan Day and his coaching staff have their eyes set on securing top in-state talent. The Buckeyes have long relied on Ohio’s deep high school football tradition to bolster their roster, and the 2026 class is no exception. With national powerhouses looking to poach elite talent, it’s crucial for Ohio State to lock down these key recruits. Here’s a look at the top five players the Buckeyes must land to maintain their dominance in the Big Ten and beyond.
5. Jacob Weatherspoon – Safety (Avon, OH)
Ohio State has already secured a commitment from Jacob Weatherspoon, a top safety prospect from Avon High School. At 5’10” and 172 pounds, Weatherspoon is a strong tackler with excellent ball skills. Though he may take a couple of years to develop into a major contributor, he is expected to make an immediate impact on special teams. His commitment provides an early win for the Buckeyes in their 2026 recruiting efforts.
4. Sam Greer – Offensive Line (Archbishop Hoban, Akron, OH)
At 6’6” and 310 pounds, Sam Greer is the premier offensive lineman in Ohio. He is being recruited heavily by Missouri, Auburn, Boston College, Virginia Tech, and Florida State, but Ohio State remains the frontrunner. Greer has visited multiple top programs, but the Buckeyes must ensure he stays home. His size, footwork, and strong hands make him an ideal candidate for Ohio State’s offensive line, where he could develop into a dominant force by his third year.
3. Cincere Johnson – Linebacker (Glenville, Cleveland, OH)
The Buckeyes have a strong pipeline from Glenville High School, and they need to continue that trend by landing Cincere Johnson. At 6’3” and 225 pounds, Johnson is a hard-hitting, fast-moving linebacker who fits the mold of a prototypical Big Ten defender. Alabama is also heavily pursuing him, and after losing a top Cincinnati-area linebacker to the Crimson Tide last year, Ohio State cannot afford another loss. Linebackers coach James Laurinaitis is leading the charge in this recruitment, and keeping Glenville’s connection to Ohio State strong is a priority.
2. Elbert Hill – Cornerback (Archbishop Hoban, Akron, OH)
One of the most highly regarded defensive backs in the country, Elbert Hill is a must-get for Ohio State. Standing at 5’10” and 175 pounds, he has elite coverage skills and the ability to compete for playing time early in his collegiate career. The Buckeyes are in a tough battle against Penn State, Oregon, Michigan, and Alabama for his commitment. Ranked as high as No. 34 nationally by recruiting services, Hill’s recruitment will come down to a combination of coaching relationships, early playing time, and NIL opportunities. Ohio State has done well recruiting top cornerbacks recently, but losing Hill would be a major setback.
1. Maxwell Riley – Offensive Line (Avon Lake, OH)
The most important in-state recruit for Ohio State in 2026 is Maxwell Riley, a 6’5”, 280-pound offensive tackle from Avon Lake. Ranked No. 87 nationally by 247 Sports, Riley is a versatile lineman who can play both guard and tackle. His recruitment has turned into a head-to-head battle between Ohio State and Clemson. The Buckeyes recently lost another top Ohio offensive lineman, Adam Guthrie, to the Tigers, making it imperative that they win this fight. Riley is a high-priority target due to his leadership qualities and elite athleticism, and landing him would send a strong message that Ohio State remains the top destination for offensive linemen in the region.
Securing Ohio’s Best Talent
Ohio State’s dominance in the Big Ten has always been built on recruiting and developing elite in-state talent. With national programs like Alabama, Clemson, and Michigan aggressively targeting top Ohio prospects, Ryan Day and his staff must ensure these five players become Buckeyes. Winning these recruiting battles will not only strengthen the 2026 class but also reinforce Ohio State’s stronghold over its home state. With a crucial summer recruiting period ahead, Buckeye fans will be watching closely to see if Day can continue Ohio State’s tradition of keeping top talent at home.
