Eric Boggs
As Ohio State builds toward another elite recruiting class in 2026, Buckeye Nation has its eyes set on five uncommitted prospects who could shape the program’s future. These young stars, positioned at crucial skill positions on both sides of the ball, represent the next generation of talent Ryan Day and his staff are aiming to bring to Columbus. With official visits underway, momentum is shifting—and Ohio State appears to be in prime position for some of the nation’s top high school football players.
Leading the list is Bralan Womack, a five-star safety from Flowood, Mississippi, and the No. 1 safety in the country. Womack is a heavy hitter at 5’11.5” and 195 pounds and is ranked inside the national top 25 per 247Sports’ composite. His official visit to Columbus is scheduled for June 20th, following trips to Florida, Texas A&M, and Auburn. The Buckeyes are believed to be in the driver’s seat, and with Womack’s values aligning with the culture Ohio State fosters under Ryan Day, confidence is high that he will ultimately commit. If that happens, Womack would likely become one of the crown jewels of the 2026 class, right alongside wide receiver Chris Henry Jr.
At running back, Savion “Cinco” Hiter from Mineral, Virginia, ranks as the No. 1 back in the nation and a top-20 overall recruit. He’s a powerful 5’11.5”, 200-pound prospect out of Louisa County High School and is being courted by the likes of Georgia, Tennessee, and Michigan. Hiter’s official visit to Columbus is also slated for May 30th. While the Volunteers and Bulldogs may be offering more aggressive NIL deals, Ohio State’s player development, national exposure, and proven track record at running back keep them squarely in the mix. This recruitment is shaping up to be a classic Big Ten vs. SEC battle, but the Buckeyes are holding their own.
One of the more difficult targets on this list is Felix Ojo, the towering offensive tackle from Mansfield, Texas. Standing 6’6” and 275 pounds, Ojo is a top-10 overall recruit nationally and the consensus top offensive tackle in the 2026 cycle. While he is expected to visit Columbus on May 30th, the Texas Longhorns are widely considered the favorites. NIL opportunities appear to be playing a significant role here, and Ohio State historically refrains from offering high six-figure deals to offensive linemen out of high school. While it would be a major victory to land Ojo, the Buckeyes likely face too steep an uphill climb.
Closer to home, Cincere Johnson, the hard-hitting linebacker from Glenville High School in Cleveland, Ohio, remains a top priority for the Buckeyes. Ranked in the top 100 nationally and projected as either a linebacker or edge rusher at the next level, Johnson fits the mold of a future defensive leader. Ohio State linebackers coach James Laurinaitis has taken the lead in his recruitment, and the Buckeyes have long felt confident here. However, a recent late push from USC, who lost a key linebacker commitment and is now aggressively pursuing Johnson, has introduced some late drama. Still, Ohio State remains in a strong position, with an official visit scheduled for June 13th.
Rounding out the top five is Carter Meadows, a 6’6”, 215-pound defensive end out of Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C. Meadows is ranked inside the top 100 and is drawing heavy attention from Big Ten and SEC programs alike. His June 20th visit includes both Ohio State and Michigan, which may limit the Buckeyes’ ability to fully showcase the program. Penn State and South Carolina are seen as the frontrunners, but there’s a sense that Meadows could be swayed by the atmosphere in Columbus. If he cancels his Michigan visit and stays longer in Ohio, the Buckeyes could suddenly become a serious contender.
Of these five elite prospects, Womack and Johnson appear most likely to join the Scarlet and Gray. Hiter is a 50-50 battle that may come down to NIL strategy, while Meadows is a true wild card. Ojo, though a dream addition, is more realistically bound for Texas. If Ohio State can secure commitments from even two of these five, particularly Womack and Johnson, it would be a significant win for the 2026 class. Landing three or more would be a massive coup for Ryan Day and his staff as they look to reload and keep Ohio State at the forefront of college football.
