Eric Boggs
When Brian Hartline took over as Ohio State’s wide receivers coach, few could have predicted just how much he would reshape the position in Columbus. Today, his reputation is undeniable. The Buckeyes have produced four consecutive first-round draft picks at wideout under his guidance, a testament not only to his development skills but also to his ability to recruit nearly every receiver he targets. That track record has created a standard that resonates far beyond Ohio, and the next wave of talent is already lining up.
One of the names generating buzz is Brock Boyd, a 2026 recruit from Southlake Carroll High School in Texas. Boyd may only carry a three-star label from recruiting services, but his performance tells a different story. Last week, he etched his name into the record books by becoming the all-time leading receiver at one of the most storied programs in Texas high school football, surpassing a 20-year mark set by McKay Jacobson. His career total now sits at 3,034 receiving yards, a staggering accomplishment in a state where the level of competition is unmatched.
Boyd’s profile fits what Hartline has long excelled at developing. He thrives as a possession receiver, dependable in moving the chains, but has the versatility to stretch the field when needed. For Boyd, the challenge ahead will be breaking into a wide receiver room that is annually one of the deepest in the country. Still, his relentless production and work ethic make him the type of player Ohio State trusts to rise in its system.
Recruiting, however, never slows down in Columbus. While the Buckeyes enjoyed a bye week, Ryan Day and his staff were in full motion on the trail, working to solidify the 2026 and 2027 classes. Ohio State’s current group ranks ninth nationally, but Day has made it clear that the standard is higher. One of his more calculated moves came just days before the Buckeyes’ trip to Washington, where Ohio State faces its lone West Coast road test of the season.
That move involved Rahsjon Duncan, a three-star cornerback from Oakland, California, who has been committed to Washington since July. This week, Ohio State extended Duncan an offer — timed perfectly ahead of his attendance at the Huskies’ home game against the Buckeyes. In essence, the offer doubles as an unofficial visit, giving Duncan the opportunity to see the Buckeyes’ program and talent level up close against the school he originally chose.
It is the kind of tactical decision that reflects Day’s evolving recruiting philosophy. Alongside secondary coach Tim Walton, Day has targeted several prospects late in the cycle, with an eye toward flipping commitments. Momentum also appears to be shifting with Ohio State’s NIL approach, which now carries more weight than it did early in the process.
For Ohio State, a statement win in Seattle would be valuable beyond the standings. It would reinforce the program’s ability to win in hostile environments, a trait recruits like Duncan can see firsthand. With Hartline’s continued pipeline at receiver and Day’s strategic touch on the recruiting trail, the Buckeyes are not just winning games — they are laying the foundation to keep doing so for years to come.
