Ohio State Lands a Top Recruiting Class-But Will It Actually Make a Difference?
Ohio State just pulled in one of the best recruiting classes in the country, headlined by three five-star talents and a slew of elite prospects. On paper, it’s a massive win for Ryan Day and the Buckeyes. But in today’s version of college football, the question has to be asked: does elite recruiting still carry the same weight it once did?
Let’s start with the facts. According to 247Sports, Ohio State finished with the No. 2 class in the nation.
The headliners? Wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. and linebacker Cincere Johnson-both five-star blue-chippers who would’ve been considered cornerstone players in any other era.
Add in names like Sam Greer and Jay Timmons, who just missed the five-star threshold, and this class is stacked with talent from top to bottom.
Ten years ago, this would’ve been a clear sign that the Buckeyes were set up for long-term success. But in 2026, the landscape has changed dramatically. The transfer portal and NIL era have turned roster building into a year-to-year chess match, and Ohio State is feeling the effects just like everyone else.
Over the past 12 months, the Buckeyes saw more than 30 players leave the program-including former five-star talents like CJ Hicks, Mylan Graham, and Quincy Porter. These weren’t just depth pieces-they were supposed to be foundational players. Instead, they’re gone, and Ohio State had to pivot fast.
The reason? Experience has become king.
Look no further than Indiana, whose roster this past season had an average age north of 22.5 years old-just a couple years shy of the Green Bay Packers’ NFL roster. The Hoosiers showed that grown men win football games, and the top programs took notice.
Ohio State responded by shifting its philosophy. Instead of waiting on young talent to develop, the Buckeyes went after veteran players in the portal-guys who may not have the same long-term upside but can contribute right away. It’s a move rooted in necessity, not preference.
The harsh reality is that NIL money isn’t an endless resource. These collectives, for all their buzz, are often fueled by donations rather than sustainable revenue. That means every dollar has to count, and programs like Ohio State can’t afford to have million-dollar recruits sitting on the bench, lifting weights, and learning the playbook while older, more physically mature teams push them around on Saturdays.
That brings us back to this year’s class. Yes, it’s loaded. But will it stick?
Chris Henry Jr. likely has a clearer path to early playing time, which could help keep him in Columbus. Johnson, on the other hand, will have to battle through a crowded linebacker room filled with other young stars and returning veterans. And that’s the tightrope programs are walking now-if a player doesn’t see the field early, there’s a real chance he enters the portal before ever making an impact.
The development window has shrunk. Patience is no longer a virtue-it’s a luxury few programs can afford.
If a top recruit doesn’t feel valued or sees a blocked path to the field, they’re gone. That’s not a knock on the players; it’s just the new reality.
So while Ohio State’s 2026 class is impressive, it comes with an asterisk. The talent is undeniable, but the challenge now is retention.
Can the Buckeyes keep these players long enough to see their potential realized? Or will they become another group of elite recruits who flash briefly in scarlet and gray before suiting up elsewhere?
In this era of college football, recruiting is just the first move. The real game is keeping your roster intact long enough to win with it. And that’s where Ohio State, like so many others, is still trying to find the right formula.