Ohio State Buckeyes fans felt the sting of a tough May on the recruiting front, especially after the strong momentum they had built in April under head coach Ryan Day. The Buckeyes saw their hopes dashed on the month's final day when four-star defensive lineman Carter Luckie chose the University of Georgia over Ohio State and North Carolina State. According to On3Sports' Hayes Fawcett, Luckie is a formidable player ranked among the top-40 defensive linemen in the 2026 recruitment cycle and is one of Georgia's top-50 prospects, suggesting his on-field prowess is already turning heads.
Standing tall at 6-foot-5 and weighing in at 265 pounds, Luckie certainly has the physical tools to make waves at the collegiate level. While his current rankings might not be sky-high, a standout senior season could easily catapult him into higher regard.
Yet, it’s hardly shocking that Luckie selected his home state’s university, a testament to the recruiting power of the Bulldogs. For Ohio State, however, landing Luckie would have been a significant boost, especially given their current need to strengthen the defensive line—a critical gap in Day’s otherwise highly praised upcoming recruiting class.
All is not lost for Ohio State, as the recruiting battle is far from over. They still have their sights on several promising prospects in the 2026 class as they march into June.
Fans should keep an eye on four-star talents like Aiden Harris, Earnest Rankins, and Emanuel Ruffin. These athletes present an opportunity for the Buckeyes to fortify their defense and add depth to their already promising roster.
As the recruiting cycle continues, the Buckeyes will aim to secure more commitments, hoping to turn their recruiting misfortunes into wins on the field.
