Ohio State football, led by head coach Ryan Day, is a perennial college football contender. Recruiting remains the lifeblood of his success, and the Buckeyes are currently locked in a high-stakes chase for several five-star prospects in the 2026 class.
This past weekend, Ohio State welcomed three elite talents to Columbus for official visits: linebacker Xavier Griffin, offensive tackle Felix Ojo, and running back Savion Hiter.
Xavier Griffin: Elite Linebacker Recruitment Gains Traction
Chad Simmons, On3’s director of recruiting, highlighted the buzz surrounding these visits, noting Ohio State’s significant strides with these prospects. Griffin, a five-star linebacker from Gainesville, Georgia, ranks as the No. 2 linebacker and No. 28 overall prospect in the 2026 class, per On3’s rankings.
At 6’2” and 210 pounds, his size, speed, and instincts make him a standout defender. Initially committed to USC, he reopened his recruitment, creating an opening for programs like Ohio State to pitch their vision.
During his official visit, the Buckeyes seized the opportunity. Linebackers coach James Laurinaitis and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia detailed how he would thrive in their scheme, emphasizing versatility and playmaking.
Ohio State’s history of grooming linebackers for the NFL, with names like Pete Werner and Baron Browning, likely resonated. Simmons noted, “Ohio State must put themselves in that conversation with the two schools he will visit the next two weeks: Alabama this weekend and Texas on June 13th,”.
Before the visit, Alabama led the race, with Texas close behind. Now, Ohio State has stormed into contention. Griffin’s upcoming trips to Alabama and Texas will test the Buckeyes’ progress, but the visit undeniably shifted the landscape.
Felix Ojo: Texas Tackle Battle Intensifies for Ohio State
Ojo, a five-star offensive tackle from Mansfield, Texas, is ranked by On3 as the class of 2026’s No. 6 national prospect, No. 3 offensive tackle, and No. 1 player in the Lone Star State. Standing 6’6” and weighing 275 pounds, his recruitment has boiled down to a tug-of-war between Ohio State and Texas, his home-state powerhouse.
The official visit to Columbus proved fruitful, with him leaving with Ohio State “very high” on his list, per Simmons. Offensive line coach Tyler Bowen showcased the Buckeyes’ track record of developing linemen, pointing to recent NFL draftees like Paris Johnson Jr. and Dawand Jones.
The program’s emphasis on preparing players for the next level stood out. Yet, Texas remains the team to beat. Simmons stated, “We think Texas is going to be hard to beat for Felix Ojo… but we think their biggest competition is Ohio State,” in the same On3 discussion.
Savion Hiter: Top Running Back Keeps Ohio State in Mix
Hiter, a five-star running back from Woodberry Forest, Virginia, claims the No. 1 spot at his position and No. 11 overall in the 2026 class, according to On3. His speed, vision, and elusiveness make him a dynamic offensive weapon. Ohio State, Michigan, Georgia, and Tennessee headline the schools vying for his commitment.
About a month ago, positive chatter linked Hitler to the Buckeyes, setting the stage for his official visit. Running backs coach Carlos Locklyn and Day outlined a starring role for him in an offense that has featured stars like J.K. Dobbins and TreVeyon Henderson.
The visit reinforced Ohio State’s standing, with Simmons reporting, “They’re definitely a top three school right now coming out of this visit… we’re still hearing a little bit more though about Michigan and Tennessee with Savion Hiter,”. Georgia remains a factor, intensifying the competition.
Jett Washington: Safety Visit Looms as Critical Opportunity
This weekend, Ohio State hosts Jett Washington, a top safety from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is ranked among the top 50 prospects and a premier safety in the 2026 class. He brings versatility to the secondary.
His recruitment carries weight, with Alabama, Oregon, and USC already in the mix. The visit marks Ohio State’s first chance to host Washington since last year, making it a critical juncture. Simmons emphasized its importance, saying, “This is a big visit for Jet Washington and Ohio State because they haven’t seen each other in roughly a year.”
Washington’s recent trips to Alabama and USC, coupled with Oregon’s strong spring push, have positioned Alabama and Oregon as frontrunners, with the Ducks possibly leading.
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