Ohio State is rolling out the red carpet for some marquee recruits as their spring game approaches, and the buzz is palpable in Columbus. Among the standout prospects they'll be hosting, a priority target from the 2026 class is already making waves by visiting Ohio State ahead of the big recruiting weekend.
Meet Felix Ojo, a five-star Texas offensive tackle who's been creating quite the stir. Confirmed to be in Columbus this Thursday and Friday, Ojo's visit is a top priority for the Buckeyes' coaching staff—a full-court press, if you will, by the recruiting team.
We all know the importance of a top-tier offensive line in the college game, and Tyler Bowen, the new offensive line coach, is pulling out all the stops to secure Ojo's commitment. Given Ojo's status, ranked by 247Sports as the No. 25 prospect and the No. 4 offensive tackle in the 2026 class, he's a highly coveted recruit. Ohio State fans, take note: this guy could be pivotal in transforming Ohio State's future offensive front.
The recruitment battle is heating up, with Texas as the current favorite. Yet, Ohio State and Oklahoma remain hot on their heels, and with Ojo having spoken highly of the Buckeyes recently, there's a glimmer of hope for an upset. His recruitment journey also includes scheduled official visits to schools such as Michigan and Ole Miss, but adding Ojo to Ohio State's class could be a game-changer, filling the void of premier tackle talent that’s eluded them in recent years.
Now, let's shift gears to another talent in the making. Larry Johnson, well-known for his prowess in developing defensive linemen, has set his sights on four-star Alabama prospect Tyson Bacon. This 6-foot-3, 263-pound powerhouse received an Ohio State offer on Tuesday, adding another layer to his already intriguing recruiting saga.
Bacon, who has been committed to Tennessee since October, is ranked as the No. 274 prospect and No. 32 defensive lineman in the 2026 class. But with 25 Division I offers on the table and summer visits lined up with big names like Washington, Georgia, and Alabama, Bacon's recruitment is far from over. It’s going to be interesting to see how the pieces fall for this talented defensive line candidate.
Meanwhile, in North Carolina, top interior offensive lineman PJ Dean has put Ohio State in his top three choices. This four-star recruit, known for his versatility on both sides of the ball, released his shortlist, featuring Georgia and South Carolina alongside OSU. Dean is sitting as the No. 47 prospect and No. 4 interior offensive lineman in the 2026 class, and while Georgia currently leads the race, a visit to Columbus could potentially turn the tide.
And let’s not forget the future with Akedran Crumel, a standout cornerback from the 2027 class who just got an offer from Ohio State. At 6-foot-1 and 170 pounds, Crumel is attracting serious attention across the board, with offers from powerhouse programs including Florida State, Michigan State, and USC. Last season, he turned heads with 34 tackles and four interceptions, proving he's got the chops to shine at the next level.
As the spring game nears, Ohio State’s commitment to bringing elite talent to Columbus is evident, and the impact of these recruiting efforts could shape the team's fortunes for years to come. Stay tuned, Buckeye fans, because the recruiting journey is just as thrilling as the game itself.
