Ohio State Adds Commitment of In-State Talent for 2026 Class

Ohio State adds its next big piece to the class of 2026 with the commitment of three-star wide receiver Jaeden Ricketts out of Pataskala, Ohio. A star at Watkins Memorial High School, Ricketts brings speed, ability, and versatility onto Ohio State's roster at some point in the future.

Who is Jaeden Ricketts?

There probably wasn't a higher rising star in Ohio high school football than Jaeden Ricketts, at 6 feet tall and 187 pounds. The top performances he made during high school drew the Buckeyes' coaching staff's attention after a good performance in summer's recruiting camp. Of all the things about him, it’s his running speed- He is a sportsman, who has recorded a personal best of 10.88 seconds in 100m run.

A Perfect Fit for Ohio State

Ricketts committed to the Buckeyes on November 16, 2024, shortly after Ohio State's win over Northwestern. He committed due to the heavy recruiting at Ohio State led by wide receiver coach Brian Hartline. The Buckeyes recognized Ricketts’ potential early, extending him an offer in June 2024, and he joins Chris Henry Jr., a five-star prospect, as the second wide receiver commit in the 2026 class.

The Road to Columbus

Committed to Ohio State over nine other Division I offers, Ricketts had choices from the likes of Illinois, Miami (OH), and Toledo. Unranked in the 247Sports composite system at the time of commitment, his raw talent and pure speed make him the exciting prospect. Ricketts staying in his home state adds to the rich Buckeyes tradition of turning local products into national stars.

A Star in the Making

What sets Ricketts apart is his ability to dominate on the field with both athleticism and football IQ. His commitment strengthens Ohio State's recruiting pipeline, particularly for the wide receiver position—a group that consistently excels under Hartline’s guidance. With two wideouts already committed, Ohio State plans to add more firepower to its receiving corps as it builds for the future.

Looking Ahead

As Ricketts continues to develop his game, Ohio State fans are getting anxious to see how his potential transitions onto the college gridiron. With his pledge, it isn't only the Buckeyes' 2026 class that improved-the commitment serves as evidence the program can still boast of its desirability to top-flight talent.

Jaeden Ricketts' journey is just beginning, and his future at Ohio State promises to be as thrilling as his high school career has been.