Storm Miller is just a name making waves in the 2026 signing class—he’s a Strongsville, Ohio, kid who lives for the roar of the crowd and the jolt of a perfect tackle. At 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, this four-star Strongsville High School linebacker is making college coaches across the country go wild. But behind the numbers and the scholarship possibilities is a goofy-smiling 16-year-old who cares about his teammates, has a dream he’s been chasing since he first strapped on pads, and is just starting. As of March 1, 2025, Storm’s journey is just beginning, and it’s one to root for.

A Kid Who Plays Like a Storm

On the field, Storm is a whirlwind. Picture this: it’s his sophomore year, 2023, and he’s racking up 81 tackles, seven of them for loss, 10 sacks, and snagging three interceptions like it’s nothing. “I just love being out there,” he says, his voice lighting up when he talks about football. “There’s nothing better than reading a play and shutting it down.” His coaches at Strongsville agree—he’s the kind of player who can rush the quarterback one snap, then drop back to pick off a pass the next. With 20 sacks already in his high school career, he’s got a knack for getting into the backfield, but it’s his unexpected finesse in coverage that leaves opponents scratching their heads.

Last fall, heading into his junior season, Storm hit the gym hard. He shaved his 40-yard dash time down from 5.0 to 4.7 seconds—not bad for a linebacker who’s still growing into his frame. “I wanted to be faster, quicker,” he says. “I’d watch film and see where I could’ve gotten there a split-second sooner.” That hustle paid off as he tore through the 2024 season, becoming the heart of Strongsville’s defense. Whether he’s blitzing off the edge or shadowing a tight end, Storm plays with a fire that’s impossible to miss.

The Recruitment Rollercoaster

Storm’s recruiting story started way back in eighth grade, when he caught the eye of Mike Tressel—then at Cincinnati, now Wisconsin’s defensive coordinator—at a workout. “I was this scrawny kid just trying to impress someone,” Storm laughs. “I didn’t think it’d turn into this.” Fast forward to March 2025, and he’s got over 24 scholarship offers from powerhouses like Ohio State, Clemson, Michigan, Notre Dame, and more. It’s a lot for a teenager to process, but Storm’s taking it in stride. Check out his full recruiting profile on On3 for the latest updates.

Ohio State, just an hour from home, feels like the team to beat. When they offered him on June 13, 2024, Storm couldn’t stop smiling. “Coach Laurinaitis has been texting me for almost two years,” he says. “Getting that offer from him—he’s a legend—it hit me hard.” Storm’s first game-day visit to Columbus in October 2024 was electric: the sea of scarlet, the roar of 100,000 fans. He’s got an official visit locked in, and X posts from fans are already calling him a future Buckeye. On3’s prediction machine gives Ohio State an 85.8% shot at landing him, but Storm’s not rushing to decide.

Wisconsin’s been in the mix since 2023, and Storm vibes with their staff. “Coach Tressel and Coach Mitchell, they see me playing all over the defense,” he says. He’s got an official visit planned there too. Then there’s West Virginia, a newer contender—he’s heading to Morgantown soon after hitting it off with their coaches in early 2025. Clemson’s a wild card; his brother Blake’s a star tackle there, and Storm admits it’d be “pretty cool” to join him. He impressed at their camp in June 2024 and left with an offer.

Michigan wowed him during a November 2024 visit for their Oregon game. “The energy there, the way they treated me like family—it stuck with me,” he says. Read more about that visit on 247Sports. Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Michigan State, and Stanford made his top seven in November, and Kentucky’s still hanging around after hosting him last spring. With offers from Florida State, Penn State, and others piling up, Storm’s phone is basically a hotline for college football’s elite.

More Than a Ranking

Recruiting sites have Storm pegged as a top talent: No. 271 overall on the 247Sports Composite, No. 23 linebacker, and No. 13 in Ohio. Rivals calls him a four-star outside linebacker, and On3 has him at No. 308 nationally with an 88.92 rating. But to Storm, it’s not about the stars. “I just want to play where I fit, you know? Somewhere I can grow and maybe make a difference,” he says.

Off the field, he’s a typical high school kid—hanging with friends, cracking jokes, and dodging homework when he can. His teammates tease him about the recruiting hype, but they’re his biggest fans. “They keep me grounded,” he grins. “They’ll hype me up one minute, then roast me the next.”

What’s Next for Storm?

As his junior season wraps up, Storm’s got big plans for 2025. He’s hitting camps, tweaking his game, and dreaming of a state title run with Strongsville. Meanwhile, the recruiting circus rolls on. Ohio State’s got the home-field advantage, but Wisconsin’s persistence, Clemson’s family tie, and Michigan’s vibe keep things interesting. “I want to feel it out,” he says. “Visit some places, talk to the guys who’d be my teammates.”

Picture this: it’s February 21, 2025, and the Buckeyes are in the thick of a so-so season under Jake Diebler, who’s locked in with a five-year deal from last March. Realistically, Ohio State isn’t shopping for a new coach right now—but let’s play “what if” and toss around some names of top coaches who might be on their radar if things went sideways. These are the folks who could bring some fire to Columbus, based on their track records, rumors, and just plain gut feelings.

Coaches Ohio State Fans Might Dream About

Dusty May (Michigan)

Why He’s a Fit: Dusty’s the guy who took Florida Atlantic to the Final Four and nearly landed the Ohio State gig last year before Michigan swooped in. He’s got that fast, fun style—like watching a highlight reel on loop—and he’s from the Midwest (Indiana, baby!). If his first year at Michigan’s a bust, maybe he’d listen to Ohio State calling his name again.

The Vibe: Imagine him pacing the sidelines at the Schottenstein Center, turning Buckeye recruits into a scoring machine. He’s young, hungry, and knows how to win big.

Chances: Slim, unless Michigan’s a total mess. He’s got a shiny new contract, but you never know with these coaching carousel twists.

Sean Miller (Xavier)

Why He’s a Fit: Sean’s a name Ohio State fans have heard before—he was in the mix last year. He’s been killing it at Xavier (well, mostly), and at 56, he’s got that “been there, done that” vibe from his Arizona days. Plus, he’s from the region—Pennsylvania—and knows the Big Ten’s backyard.

The Vibe: He’d bring grit and a knack for landing top recruits. Sure, he hasn’t hit a Final Four yet, but he’s the kind of guy who could get Ohio State back in the spotlight.

Chances: Decent shot if Xavier stumbles. He might just be ready for one last big swing.

Nate Oats (Alabama)

Why He’s a Fit: Nate’s the mad scientist behind Alabama’s rise—fast, smart, and a little wild. Ohio State sniffed around him last year, and with the Buckeyes’ cash and talent pool, he could turn Columbus into a hoops party. He’s locked in down South, but whispers say he’s got an itch for new challenges.

The Vibe: Picture Ohio State flying up and down the court, draining threes like it’s nothing. Nate’s all about winning with swagger.

Chances: Tough pull—he’s got a sweet deal at Alabama—but if he’s restless, Ohio State’s got the juice to tempt him.

Lamont Paris (South Carolina)

Why He’s a Fit: Lamont’s the Ohio kid (born and raised!) who’s turned South Carolina into a legit squad. He knows the Big Ten from his Wisconsin days, and he was a hot name for the Ohio State job last year. If he keeps shining, he’s the kind of guy who could come home.

The Vibe: He’s tough, no-nonsense, and feels like a Buckeye at heart. Perfect for rallying the fanbase and grinding out wins.

Chances: Pretty good if he’s ready to level up. South Carolina’s cool, but Ohio State’s home.

Will Wade (McNeese State)

Why He’s a Fit: Will’s the wild card. He’s a wizard—22-3 at McNeese this year after getting canned at LSU over some NCAA drama. His penalty’s up in 2025, and he’s itching for a big gig. Ohio State’s NIL money and roster could be his playground.

The Vibe: He’s intense, a recruiting beast, and wins wherever he goes. Yeah, he’s got baggage, but the dude’s a baller.

Chances: Solid if Ohio State’s cool with a little risk. He’d jump at it.

Greg McDermott (Creighton)

Why He’s a Fit: Greg’s the steady dad of this group—60 years old, Elite Eight with Creighton, and a name Ohio State floated last year. He’s comfy in Omaha, but a big-time job like this might pull him out of his cozy nest.

The Vibe: He’s calm, runs a smooth offense, and knows how to win. Not flashy, but reliable as heck.

Chances: Maybe a long shot. Depends if he’s still got the fire for a new adventure.

Josh Schertz (Saint Louis)

Why He’s a Fit: Josh had Indiana State buzzing last year (NIT runner-up!) and just jumped to Saint Louis. He’s Midwest through and through, and his teams play fast and fearless—Ohio State fans would eat it up.

The Vibe: Young gun with big ideas. He’d bring energy and a fresh start to Columbus.

Chances: Could happen if he crushes it at Saint Louis and Ohio State comes knocking.

What’s Really Going On

Right now, Jake Diebler’s the man in Columbus. He’s got the Buckeyes at 14-11 (6-8 in Big Ten) as of mid-February 2025—not lighting the world on fire, but not crashing either. His five-year deal means Ohio State’s probably sticking with him for next season unless something crazy happens—like a total collapse or him bolting for another job (unlikely). Still, fans love dreaming about the next big hire, and these names are the ones that’d get tongues wagging.

In a testament to talent and potential, Ohio State University football has had a record 15 of its players invited to the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. The feat is a testament to the Buckeyes' reputation as a longstanding powerhouse for producing NFL-ready players, setting the bar high for the next combine in Indianapolis from February 27 to March 2.

The Top Quarterback:

Will Howard: As the quarterback of Ohio State's offense, Will Howard has the ability to make a statement with his leadership and arm strength on the field. A good combine can really propel his draft stock, and he is a quarterback to keep an eye on.

Dynamic Running Backs:

TreVeyon Henderson: Henderson wants to prove to the world that he is not just a running back with his out-of-this-world athleticism and speed.
Quinshon Judkins: Judkins is looking to make a name for himself as one of the premier running backs in this draft class with his vision and power.

Wide Receiver Talent

Emeka Egbuka: Egbuka will shine with his route running and ball-catching ability, maybe garnering the interest of teams looking for a veteran receiver.

Offensive Line Strength:

Donovan Jackson, Seth McLaughlin, and Josh Simmons: The three will attempt to make their mark in pass protection and opening holes for the run game, the key to NFL success.

Defensive Ability

Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau: The two large-presence pass-rushers will look to display burst off the edge and pass rush ability.
Ty Hamilton and Tyleik Williams: These interior defensive linemen will be important in demonstrating their potential to make plays in the backfield.
Cody Simon: A middle linebacker who has a nose for being around the football, Simon's football IQ and athleticism have the potential to make him something special.

Secondary Skills:

Denzel Burke, Lathan Ransom, and Jordan Hancock: These defensive backs will get the chance to highlight their cover abilities, each with its own flavor - from Burke's shutdown ability to Hancock's versatility.

The Combine's Significance:

The NFL Combine is not just a series of physical drills but a week of fate in which players can enhance their draft prospects based on measurable performances, interviews, and medical checks. For Ohio State, the fact that they had the most combine invitees of college programs this year says not only to the talent and depth of their 2024-25 team but also to coaching and development under Ryan Day and his assistants.

Looking Ahead:

These 15 Buckeyes are waiting for their turn in Indianapolis, the suspense is real. It's not just an opportunity for personal development but also a preview of Ohio State football greatness. Ohio State's potentially record-breaking draft class can tie for the most players in a seven-round draft ever from a school at Georgia's level of 2022.

In the heart of Columbus, Ohio, where the autumn leaves paint the campus in hues of scarlet and gray, a new chapter unfolded in the storied Ohio State University football program. News spread like wildfire across the campus and through the veins of Buckeye Nation: Billy Fessler, a former walk-on quarterback who had carved a niche for himself with grit and determination, was being promoted to the role of Quarterbacks Coach.

The beginning of Billy's journey with Ohio State was quite unsung for a freshman. Known for a dogged work ethic and knowing the game inside and out, Billy was never expected to headline this story-a back-up quarterback, graduate assistant-of perseverance. Billy has taken time to advance in rank while taking each lesson he learned at every stop-the sidelines, film room, practice field.

It was announced on a fresh Wednesday morning, right after the season's final whistle had blown, when fans and alumni were already looking ahead to next season. Coach Ryan Day made this declaration in characteristic calm during a press conference. "Billy has shown not just competence but a passion for the game that's infectious. He's lived our culture, he's lived our ethos, and now, he will help shape the future of our quarterbacks."

It was more than just a career milestone for Fessler; it was an utter honor to the Ohio State philosophy: growth from within. His story resonated with players and fans alike in their own aspirations of the dream of greatness through perseverance.

The transition wasn't without its challenges. Going into his early thirties, Fessler had to step from the shadows into the spotlight, translating his intimate knowledge of the game into a coaching style that would nurture the next wave of Ohio State's quarterback prodigies. First things first, he went over the playbook, not to teach it but to evolve it, melding traditional strategies with innovative plays he had observed during his years on the bench.

It was a meeting of nostalgia and forward thinking: speaking about legends like Troy Smith, J.T. Barrett-the weight of their legacies-and the promise of new beginnings with players like the current starter, who looked to Fessler for guidance. "We're not just throwing footballs here; we're throwing dreams," Billy said, emphasizing his voice in that locker room.

The media frenzy was inevitable: headlines praising the "walk-on turned coach," stories of the underdog journey being retold, and interviews sought. But Fessler kept his focus on the field-the young men he was now tasked to lead, mentor, and perhaps most importantly, understand.

As spring practices approached, the results of Billy's methods began to show. The quarterbacks under his tutelage started not only to perform better but also to think about the game differently-a great testament to Fessler's marrying experience with innovation. His office door was always open, a symbol of his commitment to accessibility, much like how he had been when he too was one of them, looking to make his mark.

It is not many names that create the kind of buzz in college football recruiting as Cincere Johnson, the highly-rated linebacker from Glenville High School in Cleveland, Ohio. With the 2026 recruiting cycle gradually warming up, Johnson has developed into a marquee prospect for most schools across the nation and more importantly for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

The Prospect

Cincere Johnson has all the ingredients to stand out, not only for his impressive physical attributes but also on-field performance. But with the size that accompanies his athletic build, it also makes Johnson at 6'3" a very complete and ideal target to man a linebacking job. Ranked as the No. 8 LB, No. 4 prospect in Ohio and a No. 111 nationally graded recruit within his class. Johnson's nationwide grade speaks tons about his anticipated effect in collegiate circles. Rating out as a four-star because his performance allows him to feature among the elites of his graduating class.

Recruiting Recap

Johnson has been one of the most-watched recruits this period, with numerous top programs competing for his commitment. Ohio State has been rather aggressive in pursuing him. Posts on X indicated he's placed Ohio State in his top 10 schools, which excited Buckeye fans and analysts in equal measure.

The interest is mutual on Ohio State's part, given the number of "Crystal Ball" predictions for the program eventually to land Johnson-a great barometer regarding how confident those feel in a recruitment. Those have come based on expert analysis and inside information that seems to go strongly in the direction of Columbus.

Visits and Engagement

Johnson has been pretty involved with Ohio State, taking a game day visit to the campus-one of the most important times in the recruiting process. That is not about the football; that is about the culture, getting to know the coaches, seeing yourself on campus.

The recruitment of Johnson, however, is not without competition despite Ohio State's lead. Posts on X have shown interest from other powerhouse programs such as Penn State, Alabama, and Oregon, among others. This only heightens his value in the recruiting market and keeps the narrative of his recruitment dynamic and unpredictable until he makes a final decision.

What Ohio State Offers

Ohio State is known for its development at the linebacker position, from NFL talents such as Ryan Shazier to Malik Harrison. A commitment to Ohio State could mean a clear path to not only playing time but professional development under some of the most respected coaching staffs in college football. The Buckeyes offer both great academics and athletics, which might be an attractive selling point to any recruit, especially one from Ohio looking to stay in-state.

Conclusion

With the 2026 class taking shape, the decision of Cincere Johnson will be crucial as far as Ohio State and other interested programs are concerned. As much as the feeling on X and expert predictions are in Ohio State's favor, recruiting has never been an exact science, and until it's a done deal, one can never tell. His commitment will no doubt be one of the most highly awaited announcements during this cycle and could very well add another feather to Ohio State's storied football legacy.

The anticipation of Johnson committing to Ohio State only builds and builds as we await his decision, based on his performances and what he could bring to the Buckeyes' defense.

In a big addition to its 2026 recruiting class, the Ohio State Buckeyes have received a commitment from Avon, Ohio four-star athlete Jakob Weatherspoon. That news came on January 2, 2025, one day after Ohio State's convincing 41-21 win over Oregon in the Rose Bowl, setting the stage for their next challenge in the College Football Playoff Semifinals.

The Commitment

Jakob Weatherspoon, 6 feet and 180 pounds, chose Ohio State over Penn State, Oregon, Notre Dame, and Michigan. It was a combination of things that ultimately won him over: the family-like atmosphere he sensed each time he came to Columbus, the way the coaching staff approached him, and the appeal of a team with tradition but also a sense of where it's going in the future.

Weatherspoon announced his commitment via a number of posts on X, including several recruiting analysts and Ohio State fan accounts who were hyped about the news. His decision to commit to the Buckeyes is in line with Ohio State's philosophy of keeping top in-state prospects in Columbus, which often proves to be vital to keeping the program at an elite level.

Player Profile

Weatherspoon is the type of athlete who demonstrates versatility on the field. Though listed as a cornerback, his skill set also includes playing safety and wide receiver, showcasing his athleticism and football IQ. During his high school career at Avon, his best season came in leading his team to an undefeated 16-0 season and capturing the Ohio State Championship. First-team All-Ohio honors followed, further stamping him as one of Ohio's top prospects.

With a natural feel for the game added to his speed and agility, he will add depth to Ohio State's secondary, and early playing time is a possibility. Ohio State defensive backs coach Tim Walton, whose influence has helped mold Ohio State's defensive strategy, made recruiting him a priority.

Impact on Ohio State

Ohio State had four commits in the class of 2026 entering this commitment. Of the quartet, Weatherspoon is the first to pledge on the defensive side of the ball. His pledge of commitment to the Buckeyes provides them with some depth in the secondary but it also reflects that this program can still attract top talents. With this commitment, Ohio State moved to No. 8 in the 2026 On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

Adding Weatherspoon into the mix is part of Ohio State's bigger strategy under head coach Ryan Day of building a championship roster. His addition brings depth and talent to a defensive unit that will be expected to be a key component in Ohio State's quest for national titles in the coming years.

Looking Ahead

In its true sense, the commitment from Weatherspoon reminds long-range planning by Ohio State with excellence in mind as it prepares for Texas Longhorns at the College Football Playoff. Of course, the 2025 season now, full tilt; eyeballs, undoubtedly, would be drawn to how Weatherspoon quickens toward speed and intricacies of college football, yet his high school decorations indicate there may be bluer skies in Columbus very soon for him.

This ought to provide plenty of reason for the Buckeyes to get excited: Alabama transfer running back Justice Haynes included Ohio State and Michigan in his initial list of schools of interest. Former five-star prospect out of Buford, Ga., Justice Haynes has quickly emerged as one of college football's studs, and he is searching for a new home.

A Promising Talent

Haynes was a highly touted recruit for the class of 2023, ranked as the No. 33 overall prospect in the nation. For the Tide, he had run 616 yards on 104 carries with nine touchdowns. On the ground or through the air, Haynes can give teams what they need from a back.

The Decision to Transfer

Since entering the transfer portal, Haynes has been in contact with some of the top programs in the country, with Ohio State and Michigan being considered the two favorites to land him. Both schools are in dire need of a strong running back to help complete their offenses, and Haynes fits the bill. Whichever team he chooses will be greatly affected by his decision.

Impact on Ohio State and Michigan

And just because that does get Ohio State a boost-a needed boost, maybe in a running game that will assuredly face an open question of who starts following the departure of TreVeyon Henderson-Haynes does bring added depth and an element of versatility to Buckeyes offense.

On the other hand, Michigan needs a talented running back as Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings may exit. Adding Haynes into the mix could give the Wolverines a dynamic playmaker who can hit the ground running right away.

The Road Ahead

While considering all his options, the Buckeyes hope he decides on Ohio State, moving himself and his talents to Columbus. In that regard, his commitment will be one of great interest both by fans and analysts alike because, quite frankly, it can be the difference between an average and above-average offense.

Huber Heights, OH – Ohio State football picked up its first commitment in the 2027 recruiting class on Saturday from five-star wide receiver Jamier Brown of Huber Heights, Ohio. The news came as a major addition to the Buckeyes' future roster.

A Rising Star

Jameer Brown is a rising star at Wayne High School in Ohio. He's thought of as one of the top receivers in the state of Ohio for 2027. His talent is trending up with each passing year of his high school career. And Ohio State is reaping the benefits of that growth. Wide receivers coach Brian Hartline has secured another top pass catcher from the Buckeye State. That helped Ohio State retain its reputation as a wide receiver hot bed.

Highly Sought-After Recruit

Class of 2027 athlete Jamier Brown committed to Ohio State on Saturday. The Huber Heights (Ohio) Wayne standout had more than 20 scholarship offers. Ohio State eventually beat out top suitors including Notre Dame, Penn State and Maryland.

Commitment to Excellence

Despite having to play two more seasons of high school football, Jamir Everett-Brown had committed to the Buckeyes. He has been on course to join long lines of Wayne Warriors who have gone to go and play for Ohio State.

High School Prospects

The commitment by Jamier Brown has definitely given Ohio State some great news with its recruiting. He will definitely bring in a different level of talent and dedication to the Buckeyes. His fans are very eager to see what he will do for the team in the future.

In a big recruiting win, Ohio State received its first commitment for the 2027 class in in-state five-star wide receiver Jamier Brown of Wayne, Ohio. Slotted as the No. 2 wide receiver and the No. 6 overall prospect in the 2027 class according to 247Sports Composite, Brown committed to his dream school to keep the tradition going of Ohio State pulling in elite in-state talent.

A Standout Performer

Measuring 5-foot-11 and 160 pounds, Brown has turned into an electrifying talent during a career at Wayne High School, one of the most successful programs in the country. As a sophomore, he was able to compile 67 receptions for 1,230 yards and 14 touchdowns, showing his ability to stretch the field while making a number of key plays in crunch time. His mixture of speed, agility and football IQ turned him into one of the hottest recruits in the country.

Highlights include Brown's 40-yard dash time of 4.31 seconds, but he melds speed with fluid route running and sure hands. During this season of 2023, especially in leading Wayne to the Division I, Region 2 regional finals, he solidified his status as a game-changer. But just as impressive was his versatility: He contributed on special teams, returning kicks with explosive efficiency, and occasionally lined up as a defensive back, showing his all-around athleticism.

Journey To Commitment

Brown was one of the most highly recruited players in the country, at one point holding offers from powerhouse programs such as Alabama, Georgia, Maryland, Notre Dame, Penn State, and Auburn. Still, Ohio State was an early and strong connection for Brown. He had attended several Buckeyes games and some summer camps in Columbus, where he got to know the coaching staff and got familiar with the program's culture.

"I just felt like this is it, this is the right place for me," Brown told Eleven Warriors. "Ohio State feels like home, even outside of it being up the street from my hometown. It's the tradition, the fans, and just overall my dream school since I first started playing football."

Boost for Ohio State Recruiting

Brown's commitment is a significant lift to Ohio State's 2027 recruiting. As the best player in the state for his class, a decision to stay in-state only serves as a strong indicator to other elite prospects. Historically, Ohio State has developed some top-shelf receivers, with recent stars like Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Marvin Harrison Jr. making waves in the NFL.

Ohio State wide receivers coach Brian Hartline was instrumental in locking down Brown's commitment. Regarded for having one of the best eyes for talent in terms of what fits his scheme and molds elite receivers, Hartline focuses on Brown's upside. "We are excited to welcome Jamier into our program," Hartline stated. "He has all the qualities to be an outstanding player at the next level, and we are excited about helping him reach his potential."

Future Prospects

Brown's addition further bolsters Ohio State's receiving corps, making the Buckeyes one of the most feared passing offenses in college football. Analysts project Brown to make an immediate impact when he joins the team and say he has the potential to be a key contributor by his freshman season. His ability to separate or make contested catches will pay huge dividends, especially in high-stakes Big Ten matchups.

Meanwhile, Brown's leadership qualities and work ethic have been saluted by his high school coaches and teammates alike. According to Wayne High School head coach Tom Johnson, "Jamier is not only an incredible athlete but also a student of the game. He's always watching film, looking for ways to improve, and setting a positive example for his peers."

Impact Beyond the Field

Brown's pledge also illustrates Ohio State's continued success in securing commitments from the state's most elite prospects. The decision to stay in-state is one that resonates with the fanbase and speaks to the Buckeyes' strong connection to their native communities. For young players around the state, Brown's path from in-state star to future Buckeye serves as the ultimate example of what's possible with enough hard work and determination.

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.