In a stunning turn of events, Ohio State’s top offensive line target for the class of 2026, an in-state prospect, has chosen to commit to the University of Oklahoma, leaving the Buckeyes and their fanbase shocked and disappointed. The highly touted recruit, who had long been a priority for Ohio State’s coaching staff, made the surprising announcement this week, effectively ending any hope the Buckeyes had of keeping him in-state.
This decision marks a major setback for Ohio State, who had been heavily recruiting the offensive lineman, expecting him to stay local and continue the program’s legacy of building elite line play. The Buckeyes have long been known for their ability to develop some of the top offensive linemen in the country, but now they find themselves in the rare position of losing out on a prized in-state prospect to an out-of-state rival.
For Oklahoma, this commitment is a major victory. The Sooners, under head coach Brent Venables, have been making a strong push to establish themselves as a top contender in the recruiting landscape, and landing such a highly rated offensive lineman is a massive boost for their 2026 class. The Sooners are known for their aggressive and dynamic offensive schemes, and this recruit could be a perfect fit for their future offensive line.
The loss for Ohio State is particularly tough given the recruit’s local ties. Being from Ohio, it was expected that he would stay close to home, especially with the Buckeyes offering a proven path to the NFL for offensive linemen. The recruiting battle for this prospect was heated, and while many assumed the Buckeyes would eventually land him, Oklahoma swooped in and stole the commitment right out from under them.
As the 2026 class continues to take shape, this shocking development serves as a reminder that recruiting is never a guarantee. Ohio State’s coaching staff will undoubtedly regroup and refocus their efforts on other top targets, but for now, this loss to Oklahoma stings, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning how they let such a key recruit slip away.
