Ohio State Eyes Big Ten Title, Navigates High-Stakes Recruiting Battles Ahead of Early Signing Period
Ohio State is riding high at 12-0 after a statement win over archrival Michigan, and while the Buckeyes are keeping their focus on the upcoming Big Ten Championship against Indiana, there’s a whole other game being played off the field - the recruiting trail.
Head coach Ryan Day and his staff have plenty to be proud of heading into championship weekend. Not only did they exorcise the Michigan demons from recent seasons, but they’ve positioned themselves for another College Football Playoff run. Still, the days leading up to the early signing period - which opens December 3 - could prove just as pivotal for the future of the program.
All Eyes on the Wide Receiver Room
Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class is headlined by a dynamic wide receiver duo from Mater Dei High School in California: Kayden Dixon-Wyatt and Chris Henry Jr. Both have been long-time verbal commits and have publicly reaffirmed their pledges to the Buckeyes in recent weeks. But that hasn’t stopped heavy hitters like USC and Oregon from making a late push.
USC has zeroed in on Dixon-Wyatt, using its West Coast proximity and a strong relationship between the player and the Trojans’ coaching staff to ramp up their pursuit. Reports suggest USC has sweetened the pot with a significantly boosted NIL offer, and recruiting insiders are beginning to lean toward a potential flip to the Trojans. It's not a done deal, but the smoke is thick enough to warrant attention.
Henry Jr., meanwhile, has been the target of an aggressive Oregon campaign led by head coach Dan Lemming. The Ducks have long been rumored to be in the mix, but Henry Jr. has consistently shut those rumors down.
Back in April, he even canceled his official visits to both USC and Oregon, signaling a strong commitment to Ohio State. Of the two Mater Dei standouts, Henry Jr.’s pledge appears more solid - for now.
Brian Hartline, Ohio State’s ace wide receivers coach and one of the most respected recruiters in the country, is leading the charge to keep both prospects in the fold. But this might be his toughest test yet. Not only is he fending off major programs with deep NIL war chests, but his own name is also circulating in coaching carousel rumors, adding another layer of uncertainty.
Another WR to Watch: Jaeden Ricketts
It’s not just the California duo drawing attention. Four-star wideout Jaeden Ricketts, an in-state commit from Watkins Memorial (Pataskala, OH), took an official visit to West Virginia over the weekend - while Ohio State was busy beating Michigan.
That raised some eyebrows, but for now, it appears Ricketts is simply doing his due diligence. There’s no strong indication that a flip is imminent, but it’s a reminder of how fluid things can get this time of year.
Buckeyes Looking to Flip a Clemson Commit
While Ohio State is working hard to hold on to its prized recruits, the Buckeyes are also trying to make one more splash of their own. Three-star safety Kaden Gebhardt, a local prospect out of Olentangy (Lewis Center, OH), is back on Ohio State’s radar in a big way.
Gebhardt initially chose Clemson over Ohio State, Penn State, and others after taking official visits this summer. But the Buckeyes have ramped up their efforts in recent weeks, and it’s paying off - several recruiting insiders have now flipped their predictions in favor of Ohio State.
Gebhardt is ranked as the No. 44 safety in the 247Sports Composite and the No. 545 overall player nationally. He’s also the No. 30 player in the state of Ohio - and keeping top in-state talent home is always a priority for the Buckeyes. If he does flip, he’d add depth and versatility to a class that’s already shaping up to be one of the best in the country.
Looking Ahead to 2027: Hasan Includes Buckeyes in Top Six
While most of the attention is on closing out the 2026 class, Ohio State is already laying the groundwork for the 2027 cycle. On Monday, four-star cornerback Xavier Hasan (Cardinal Gibbons / Raleigh, NC) named Ohio State among his top six schools, alongside Notre Dame, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Florida State.
Hasan is one of the top defensive backs in next year’s class, and the Buckeyes are expected to be a major player in his recruitment. Notre Dame appears to be the stiffest competition at this stage, but Ohio State’s track record of developing NFL-caliber corners speaks for itself.
Final Stretch: High Stakes on and off the Field
As the Buckeyes prepare for the Big Ten Championship, there’s plenty more going on behind the scenes. The early signing period is always a pressure cooker, and this year is no different. With high-profile commits being courted by other programs and potential flips still on the table, this week could shape not just the 2026 class, but the next few seasons of Ohio State football.
The Buckeyes have proven they can win on the field. Now it’s about sealing the deal off of it - and if they can hold onto their elite wide receiver class while adding a key piece like Gebhardt, it’ll be another big win for Ryan Day and company.