One of the biggest recruiting wins for Ohio State in the 2026 class came with a major flip - and it wasn’t just any flip. The Buckeyes managed to pull top-50 prospect Jay Timmons away from Florida State, a move that turned heads across the college football landscape.
Why? Timmons isn’t just a high-profile recruit - he’s an FSU legacy and a Pennsylvania native who had been all-in with the Seminoles before a late push from the Buckeyes changed everything.
Timmons made his official visit to Columbus in November, and that trip clearly made an impression. Less than a week later, he decommitted from Florida State and announced he was heading to Ohio State. For Buckeye fans, it was a massive win on the trail - not just because of who they gained, but also because of who they beat to get him.
And make no mistake, Timmons isn’t just a name with legacy ties - he’s one of the fastest-rising talents in the 2026 cycle. Just a year ago, he was a three-star recruit committed to Indiana.
Since then, he’s skyrocketed up the rankings, climbing all the way to five-star status in the 247Sports composite. That’s not a small leap - that’s the kind of rise that puts a player squarely in the national spotlight.
In the final 247Sports composite rankings, Timmons landed as the No. 24 overall prospect and the No. 3 cornerback in the country. Even in 247Sports’ individual rankings, where evaluations can differ slightly, he still finished as the No. 47 overall prospect and the No. 5 cornerback in the 2026 class. However you slice it, he’s an elite-level talent.
At 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds, Timmons brings a physical, versatile skill set to the secondary - the kind of player who can match up with a variety of receivers and isn’t afraid to get physical at the line. He’s shown the ability to play press, drop into zone, and close on the ball with speed and confidence. That kind of versatility is exactly what defensive coordinators at the next level are looking for, and it’s easy to see why Ohio State made him a priority.
For the Buckeyes, this is more than just a recruiting win - it’s a statement. Flipping a five-star defensive back, especially one with deep ties to another powerhouse program, sends a clear message: Ohio State is still a dominant force in national recruiting, and they’re not afraid to go into another program’s backyard to prove it.
Timmons’ rise is one of the more compelling storylines in this class. From a three-star under-the-radar prospect to one of the top corners in the country, his development speaks volumes about his work ethic and potential ceiling. Now, with his commitment locked in, the Buckeyes are adding a player who could make an early impact in Columbus - and possibly develop into the next great Ohio State defensive back.