Eric Boggs
Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class took a hit Friday when tight end Corbyn Fordham flipped his commitment from the Buckeyes to Florida State. The decommitment marked Ohio State’s second in three months, following four-star defensive back Jakob Weatherspoon’s July move to North Carolina.
Fordham, a Jacksonville native and product of The Bolles School, originally pledged to Ohio State in November 2024 as a four-star prospect. His father, Todd Fordham, played offensive line for Florida State in the 1990s and was part of the Seminoles’ 1993 national championship team. Corbyn will now follow in those footsteps, joining Mike Norvell’s program while former teammate and current Buckeye commit Simeon Caldwell heads to Columbus.
The loss leaves tight ends coach Keenan Bailey without a commit at the position for 2026, though the room remains deep with Max Klare, Bennett Christian, Jelani Thurman, Nate Roberts, Max LeBlanc and Brody Lennon all potential returnees. Still, Ohio State will look to restock, and Fordham’s departure may intensify efforts to flip Alabama commit Mack Sutter, a long-time top target from Illinois.
Even with Fordham’s exit, Ohio State’s 2026 class remains among the strongest in the nation, highlighted by five-stars Chris Henry Jr. and Blaine Bradford. The Buckeyes currently hold 20 commitments but continue to push hard to add more talent before the early signing period.
Ohio State has shifted its focus toward flipping prospects already committed elsewhere, especially along the offensive line, linebacker corps, and secondary. In recent weeks, offers have gone out to a number of players who could strengthen the class down the stretch.
Among them is Mentor (Ohio) tackle Landry Brede, currently pledged to N.C. State but showing strong interest in staying home. “I grew up watching them, so it was a big, big offer for me,” Brede told Eleven Warriors. Brede visited for Ohio State’s win over Ohio and will return for the Minnesota game as offensive line coach Tyler Bowen continues to pursue him aggressively.
Another lineman, former Georgia State commit Jared Doughty, has the Buckeyes in his top six and plans an official visit for the Penn State game. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 300 pounds, Doughty’s recruitment has exploded since his decommitment, with Ohio State vying for his signature alongside SEC powers. The Buckeyes are also maintaining contact with in-state Clemson commit Adam Guthrie, though flipping him remains an uphill battle.
At linebacker, Ohio State is targeting Massillon’s Ja’Dyn Williams, currently committed to Indiana, and former Northwestern pledge Jacob Curry, a rising four-star with visits scheduled in Columbus. The Buckeyes already have two in-state linebackers committed and are pushing to add a third before signing day.
In the secondary, Matt Guerrieri is leading efforts to flip Maryland safety commit Khmari Bing, who praised the Buckeyes’ championship mentality, and Florida State cornerback commit Jay Timmons, the son of former Seminole star Lawrence Timmons. Jay described Ohio State as “the best team in the nation” after receiving his offer. Another name to watch is Washington commit Rahsjon Duncan, who recently saw Ohio State’s defense dominate the Huskies firsthand.
On the defensive line, Ohio State’s top priority is former Clemson commit Dre Quinn, who decommitted last week and will visit Columbus this weekend. The Buckeyes view Quinn as a realistic addition alongside current commit Khary Wilder, while also keeping tabs on top-60 prospect Luke Wafle, a USC commit.
Though Fordham’s flip to Florida State stings, it hasn’t slowed Ohio State’s recruiting momentum. The Buckeyes remain relentless in pursuit of top targets across the board as Ryan Day and his staff look to close out the 2026 class strong. With several high-profile visits scheduled over the next month, the Buckeyes have positioned themselves for another late surge to maintain one of the country’s most talented future rosters.
