Ohio State remains in the running for two top 2026 prospects and is set to host a 2027 tight end in the coming weeks.
Thursday was another strong day for promoting the Ohio State brand at the NFL Combine, as the Buckeyes continued to shine with positive buzz surrounding their 15 invited players.
For most top recruits, the NFL is the ultimate goal, and Ohio State’s success—both on the field and in interviews—reinforces its “Developed Here” reputation at an elite level.
Ohio State remains in the mix for two top prospects
As one of college football’s premier programs, Ohio State consistently appears on top recruits’ shortlist of schools. That trend continued Thursday, with two more highly sought-after prospects including the Buckeyes in their final selections.
Ohio State Stays in the Hunt for Elite Safety Prospects
Leading the way, four-star safety Jett Washington from Bishop Gorman has narrowed his list to 11 schools. With 30 total offers, cutting his choices by more than half signals that he’s moving closer to a final decision.
Ranked No. 23 nationally and the second-best safety in the 2026 class per the 247Sports Composite, Washington remains a top priority for Ohio State. The Buckeyes are positioning themselves well for multiple elite safeties, with Bralan Womack and Blaine Bradford also high on their board. Being in the mix for three of the top safeties in the country is exactly where Ohio State wants to be as they push to land a game-changing talent.
Washington’s finalists include Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame, UNLV, Oregon, Penn State, USC, Texas, Texas A&M, and Ohio State, keeping the Buckeyes in contention alongside several powerhouse programs. With a clear focus on landing a safety of Caleb Downs’ caliber, the 2026 class presents a strong opportunity for Ohio State to achieve that goal.
Ohio State Stays in the Mix for Elite Edge Rusher
Ohio State also remains in contention for IMG Academy standout Jake Kruel. A highly regarded prospect in the 2026 class, Kruel is ranked No. 35 nationally and the fourth-best edge rusher according to the 247Sports Composite. With offers from 50 programs, including nearly every top school in the country, he continues to be one of the most sought-after defensive prospects.
At 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, Kruel has some growing to do, but seeing his film and list of schools with heavy interest tells you all you need to know regarding his high ranking. Cutting it down to a final dozen, removing nearly 40 schools from his considerations is impressive and shows he is well on his way to making a decision for where he will end up at the next level.
Including Colorado, Florida, Florida State, Miami, Michigan, Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, and Ohio State in his list, it’s another group of many of the best schools in the country from a football standpoint and the Buckeyes will have no easy challenge. Fortunately, they’re fresh off the ultimate prize and did so with elite defensive line play which has to speak volumes to any impressionable recruit.
Unranked and currently without an offer to his name, Sams is 6-foot, 225 pound thumper that could very well start to gain some more interest in the coming months. Army, Indiana, and Kentucky look to be schools who have been in contact, but visits to Ohio State will help get his name more public.
One more name worth sharing with upcoming plans to see Ohio State, 2027 tight end target, Brock Williams (Libertyville, IL/Libertyville) will be on campus April 5.
Unranked right now on his 247Sports profile, Williams is a 6-foot-5, 210 pound athlete with offers from the likes of Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Penn State, USC, Tennessee, and several others in addition to Ohio State. When rankings are updated for his cycle, he’ll be among the top players at his position and one the Buckeyes will continue to be all over.
