Eric Boggs
Ohio State is on the board once again for the 2026 recruiting cycle, landing a commitment from three-star wide receiver Jaeden Ricketts. The Pataskala (Ohio) Watkins Memorial standout announced his decision shortly after the Buckeyes’ dominant 31-7 victory over Northwestern on Saturday, becoming the second prospect to commit to Ohio State’s 2026 class.
Ricketts, a 6-foot, 187-pound athlete known for his exceptional speed, joins five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. as the foundation of the Buckeyes’ 2026 recruiting efforts. While he doesn’t yet hold a 247Sports Composite ranking, Ricketts is listed as the No. 44 wide receiver nationally and the No. 12 overall prospect in Ohio. His blazing speed has been a standout trait, with personal bests of 10.88 seconds in the 100-meter dash and 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash. He also holds school records in the 60 meters (6.97) and 200 meters (22.30).
Ricketts caught the attention of Ohio State wide receivers coach Brian Hartline during a June camp, where his performance earned him a scholarship offer. His ability to excel on both sides of the ball—playing wide receiver and cornerback, as well as returning kicks—makes him a versatile asset for the Buckeyes.
For Ricketts, the decision to stay close to home and commit to Ohio State was rooted in the program’s reputation and coaching staff.
“It’s receiver U,” Ricketts said of Ohio State. “They will develop me as one of the best receivers. I think they can really develop me.”
He credited Hartline as a key factor in his decision, praising the coach’s reputation and ability to develop NFL-caliber talent. “Coach Hartline was a big factor,” Ricketts said. “He’s the man. I love coach Hartline. And working with all the great coaches there. At Ohio State, they can develop me to where I want to be.”
Ricketts also cited Ohio State’s winning tradition, academic opportunities, and proximity to home as major draws. “They have a lot of success at Ohio State,” Ricketts explained. “And it’s a great education. There were a lot of people in my ear telling me Ohio State is great. Staying close to home, my family is happy.”
With the addition of Ricketts, Ohio State’s wide receiver recruiting for 2026 is off to an excellent start. Pairing Ricketts’ track-star speed with Henry’s elite playmaking ability gives Hartline a strong foundation, though the Buckeyes are expected to pursue at least two more wideouts to round out the class. Ricketts is viewed as a developmental prospect with immense potential, and under Hartline’s tutelage, he could evolve into a significant weapon for Ohio State’s offense in the years to come.
The Buckeyes’ 2026 class now features a balance of high-end talent and raw athleticism, positioning the program well for continued success. Ricketts’ commitment not only bolsters Ohio State’s recruiting momentum but also reinforces its reputation as a destination for wide receiver talent.
