Spring practice is in full swing, and it's a welcome sight for Ohio State football fans. The 2026 Buckeyes are hitting the field, and once again, they're poised to be a powerhouse in college football. With practice underway, recruiting is heating up as top prospects make their way to Columbus.
Four-Star Safety Visits Ohio State
Ohio State's defensive secondary is already shaping up nicely for the 2027 class with two safeties committed. But they're not stopping there.
The Buckeyes are using spring practice as a prime opportunity to host recruits, including Zayden Gamble, a talented defensive back from Florida's St. Thomas Aquinas.
Ohio State has a history of success with recruits from this school, though it's been a while since their last commit from there.
Standing at 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, Gamble is ranked No. 195 nationally and 18th among safeties according to 247Sports Composite. Despite nearly 50 offers from top programs like Georgia, Florida, LSU, and Michigan, Gamble's visit to Columbus seemed to make an impact.
He shared highlights of his visit on social media, indicating that Ohio State has left a strong impression. Although he recently named Florida as his leader, the Buckeyes have positioned themselves well in his recruitment.
Five-Star Offensive Lineman Plans Ohio State Visit
The Buckeyes' 2027 offensive line recruitment is off to a strong start with three commitments, but they're not done yet. Tyler Bowen's group is looking to bolster both the current and future classes. Exciting news came as five-star offensive lineman Maxwell Hiller announced his visit date to Ohio State.
Ranked as the No. 5 player nationally and the top interior offensive lineman by 247Sports Composite, Hiller is a coveted recruit. His top choices include Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee, alongside Ohio State.
He'll visit Columbus on April 1, adding to his planned visits to Alabama and Florida. Having been to Ohio State as recently as January, Hiller's upcoming visit is highly anticipated.
Top Defensive Line Prospect Impressed by Ohio State
Marcus Fakatou, a five-star defensive lineman from California, recently visited Ohio State and came away impressed. At 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds, Fakatou is ranked No. 35 nationally and second at his position. His visit to Columbus left a strong impression, with Fakatou noting that Ohio State "set the bar high."
For Larry Johnson, recruiting elite talent like Fakatou is crucial. With DJ Jacobs already committed, the focus remains on building depth in the defensive line. The Buckeyes have made a strong case to Fakatou, and they'll continue to host top recruits throughout the spring, hoping to maintain this positive momentum.
Ohio State's spring practices are not just about preparation; they're a key part of their recruiting strategy, and so far, they're making every moment count.