Buckeyes Stay Busy on the Trail: Larry Johnson Targets Five-Star Flip, Special Teams Gets a Boost
Even in what some might call a quiet stretch of the recruiting calendar, Ohio State isn’t slowing down. With spring practice just around the corner and the 2026 season beginning to take shape, the Buckeyes are already laying the groundwork for the future-both near and long-term. Thursday brought a pair of updates that show just how relentless this staff is when it comes to building and refining the roster.
Larry Johnson Zeroes In on Five-Star DL Jalen Brewster
Let’s start with the headline-grabber: defensive line coach Larry Johnson is making a full-court press for one of the top players in the 2027 class-Jalen Brewster, a five-star defensive lineman out of Texas who’s currently committed to Texas Tech.
Now, if you know anything about Johnson’s recruiting track record, you know he doesn't chase ghosts. When he’s in, he’s all in-and usually for good reason.
Brewster is ranked as the No. 5 overall player in the country and the top defensive lineman in his class, according to the 247Sports Composite. That’s elite company, and exactly the kind of talent Johnson has made a career out of developing into first-round NFL picks.
Brewster originally pledged to Texas Tech back in October, but the landscape has shifted since then. The departure of his future position coach has clearly shaken up his commitment, and Brewster himself has been open about the fact that he’s no longer locked in with the Red Raiders. That door is cracked open-and Ohio State is stepping through.
In recent days, Brewster has seen a flurry of attention from programs like Indiana, LSU, Miami, SMU, and yes, Ohio State. Johnson made the trip to see him last week, signaling that the Buckeyes view him as a real possibility, not just a longshot. And when a five-star says he’s listening, you make sure he hears from you.
This recruitment is far from over. If Brewster officially reopens things, expect Ohio State to be in it until the end. The Buckeyes don’t chase every committed prospect-but when they do, it’s because they believe they can win that battle.
Special Teams Matters: Buckeyes Add Top Long Snapper
While the Brewster pursuit is all about future star power, Thursday also brought a more under-the-radar-but still important-addition to the 2026 class. Ohio State landed a commitment from Brody Jenkins, a long snapper out of Madison, Georgia (Morgan County).
Now, long snappers don’t usually make headlines, but this one is worth noting. Jenkins is ranked as one of the top three long snappers in the country and held multiple offers, including one from Auburn. Ohio State winning out here shows a clear emphasis on special teams this offseason-and that’s something the Buckeye faithful should appreciate.
It’s easy to overlook the long snapper until something goes wrong. But when you’re competing for championships, every detail matters. Jenkins gives the Buckeyes a reliable piece to build around in the third phase of the game, and his commitment rounds out a 2026 class that’s shaping up with both star power and depth.
What’s Next?
With spring ball fast approaching, the Buckeyes are about to shift into another gear-on the field and on the trail. Hosting top recruits, evaluating talent, and continuing to build relationships will all be part of the next few months. And if Thursday’s developments are any indication, Ohio State is going to stay aggressive in every phase of roster building.
Whether it’s flipping five-star defensive linemen or locking down elite special teams talent, the Buckeyes are proving once again that there’s no such thing as a slow day in Columbus.