Wednesday marked the final signing day for the 2026 class, and it was another reminder of how different times are in the current landscape of college football compared to what was just a few short years ago. What used to be a day filled with anticipation and excitement, the December signing period has taken over, and now February is that much more quiet.
The Buckeyes being completely done with their 2026 class, Wednesday didn’t bring much news to Ohio State’s program. A more than solid early signing period, the Buckeyes took some lumps along the way in regard to de-commitments, but didn’t disappoint as they landed a fantastic group of players to reload the roster.
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Seeing natural roster management at season’s end, the program lost their fair share of players to the transfer portal, but had quite the haul of additions too. In reality, when you look at the outgoing and incoming acquisitions, Ohio State improved their roster not only with talent, but veteran experience as well.
All leading to the second ranked recruiting class overall including the portal additions, it’s safe to say the Buckeyes are looking poised to make a real run once again in the fall.
Recruiting eyes now set solely set on 2027 and beyond, the Buckeyes are off to a great start with no signs of slowing down.
Top 2027 TE target nearing decision
Keenan Bailey has done an impressive job at the helm of the tight end group in his short tenure as the unit leader. Development and production on the field has been pretty positive, and recruiting has been more successful than not.
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Landing some key players from both the prep and transfer portal ranks, Ohio State has used the tight end position as a staple of their offense the last couple of seasons. While many would argue that the Buckeyes are at their best when they’re more of a spread team compared to heavier personnel sets, it’s still a position this team needs to be a complete offense, especially when running the football.
A new offensive coordinator coming in too, Arthur Smith is no stranger to prioritizing the tight end spot. Naturally you’d have to think the multiple tight end sets continues at least a moderate amount. That said, Bailey will be looking to bring in a top caliber haul of players in the 2027 class, and none may be more important than Illinois native, Brock Williams.
A 6-foot-5, 210 pound athlete and the No. 52 player nationally per the 247Sports Composite, Williams is also the second-ranked tight end in the 2027 class. A four-star with offers from all over the country including every top school, Brock is reportedly looking to be nearing a decision in the coming weeks.
Ohio State certainly in the mix here, Williams has been to Columbus multiple times and really has seen all he needs when it comes to the Buckeyes and their program.
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Bailey and the coaching staff are making him an early top target for their 2027 class, but the Buckeyes have some heavy competition and it includes Georgia and Texas as the other two top suitors. All three schools atop of the college landscape when it comes to several aspects, what Ohio State can lean in on is the proximity to home.
Besides the geographic benefits, of course the Buckeyes are right there when it comes to development, but like many battles now, NIL is going to be a factor. Both of the SEC schools they’re competing against aren’t shy at making major offers.
It won’t be an easy win, but if Ohio State is as serious as they’ve seemed to be on Williams, they’ll make the efforts to ensure they have more than just a chance with this decision coming soon.
Quick Hits
It looks like three schools are starting to rise to the top for five-star linebacker, Kaden Henderson. The No. 25 player nationally and second best linebacker in the class per the 247Sports Composite, Florida State, Ohio State, and Texas A&M are separating themselves from the pack.
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Laurinaitis is tough to beat when he goes all in, so we will have to see how this one plays out.
