What are Ohio State's Biggest Recruiting Needs in 2026?

Ohio State is in a good early position to sign another highly regarded recruiting class in 2026. As always, there will be a few positions that carry a little extra importance this cycle for the Buckeyes. Let’s take a look at the three biggest areas of need for Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting efforts.

1. Offensive Line

You could argue this is a top priority every cycle, but the Buckeyes have had an unfortunate history of missing their number here over the last several years and filling gaps via the transfer portal. While the portal will always be an important vehicle on the offensive line, the Buckeyes will need to start bringing in more high school prospects to help with depth.

It’s particularly important this cycle with a deep and talented in-state class. Right now the Buckeyes are hot on the trail for three Ohioans, Sam Greer, Adam Guthrie, and Max Riley. Landing at least two of these three is imperative.

The other challenge new offensive line coach Tyler Bowen will face is evaluating the rest of the pack, such as impressive tackle prospect Ben Congdon. Does an offer go out there?

And what about former St. Ignatius and current IMG Academy center Will Conroy. Bowen offered Conroy at Virginia Tech and might be able to revive that recruitment. But will he try to do so?

Throw in big name out-of-state prospects like Micah Smith, Da’Ron Parks, Jackson Cantwell, and Manny Iheanacho, and this is a class that has a lot of potential, but the Buckeyes need to cash in here.

2. Defensive Line

The Buckeyes will really need to replenish the ranks along the defensive line in 2026, especially at defensive end. Ohio State has missed its number at defensive end the past couple of cycles and prized freshman Eddrick Houston is moving inside, leaving things pretty thin after losing both starters.

Additionally, both projected starting defensive ends in 2025 are seniors so getting at least three EDGE prospects in 2026 seems imperative.

The Buckeyes are taking some big swings nationally with the likes of Zavion Griffin-Haynes, Aiden Harris and Zion Elee among others. Griffin-Haynes re-opened his recruitment after an early commitment to North Carolina and Elee, despite an early pledge to Maryland, is taking official visits, including one to Ohio State.

The Buckeyes will also need to snag at least a pair of defensive tackles in this class as well with Peach State star Deuce Geralds being a top priority and a player that I believe the Buckeyes currently lead for.

3. Cornerback

Ohio State hasn’t had trouble acquiring talented cornerback prospects, but they are going to be sending a lot of them to the NFL over the next 24 months. It sounds crazy, because time flies, but when the 2026 crop arrives on campus, players like Aaron Scott and Bryce West are going to be entering their draft eligible seasons.

So the work needs to be done now to make sure the depth is there as the Buckeyes will be turning that room over significantly over the next 24 months.

Ohio State already has a commitment from four-star Avon (Ohio) product Jakob Weatherspoon, who reminds me quite a bit of Jordan Hancock. Akron (Ohio) Hoban five-star Elbert ‘Rock’ Hill is the Buckeyes’ top overall priority right now and they are in good shape for the state’s top prospect.

From there, Tim Walton will be able to take some swings nationally and some early names to know are New Jersey’s Jordan Thomas, Georgia’s Dorian Barney, and North Carolina’s Samari Matthews, but this is a list that should expand during the Spring.

If you’d like to hear more about Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting needs, check out the latest Skull Session Recruiting Podcast: