Ohio State among final schools for top-100 WR, official visit season approaches

The Buckeyes are set to host a ton of top prospects over the coming months.

While you’re out enjoying the three-day weekend, Ohio State is continuing to hunt for success on the recruiting trail.

On Sunday, the Buckeyes got one step closer to another potential addition to their 2026 class when four-star wide receiver Messiah Hampton announced his top seven schools as well as a commitment date.

The 6-foot, 170-pound pass-catcher is the No. 11 WR and No. 100 prospect nationally per the 247Sports Composite, in addition to ranking as the No. 1 player out of his home state of New York. With a commitment date set for June 13, Hampton will be choosing from a final group of schools that include Georgia, Miami, Michigan, Oregon, Penn State, Syracuse and Ohio State.

As things stand right now, the Ducks are the heavy favorite to land the talented receiver. A big factor in Oregon’s favor is position coach Ross Douglas, who was previously recruiting him hard for the in-state Orange before leaving for the West Coast this offseason. As a result, On3 national expert Steve Wiltfong and Oregon insider Justin Hopkins have both logged predictions for Hampton in favor of the Ducks.

That being said, the Buckeyes can’t be counted out entirely just yet. We know Brian Hartline’s propensity to get what he wants in his position room, and if Hampton is near the top of his list then the nation’s best recruiter isn’t going to go down without a fight. Also of note, Ohio State will get the last crack at Hampton, and is in fact hosting him for an official visit on his scheduled decision day of June 13 — one week after his official visit to Eugene.

“Ohio State is WRU,” Hampton told On3 earlier this year. “Coach Hartline is a great receivers coach and he is the new offensive coordinator, so I want to get back and see them again this spring.”

A lot can change in a few weeks time. We will see what comes of this battle between the two Big Ten powerhouses as we get down to the wire.

Quick Hits

Speaking of visits, Ohio State will continue to see big names roll through the doors of the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in the coming weeks. Below are just a few top prospects expected to make the trek to Columbus in the near future.

All rankings are via the 247Sports Composite unless otherwise noted.

• Mack Sutter (2026) — No. 6 TE, No. 81 Natl., No. 1 IL

• Emanuel Ruffin (2026) — No. 30 DL, No. 238 Natl., No. 13 AL

• Lual Aleu (2027) — No. 36 OT, No. 10 OH

Away from the gridiron, Ohio State picked up a big commitment on the baseball diamond in the form of Kayden Campbell. The younger brother of Boston Red Sox second baseman Kristian Campbell, the 6-foot-2 infielder is the No. 316 prospect in the 2026 class and No. 26 player out of the Peach State.

Campbell is one of three top-500 prospects committed to the Buckeyes in this cycle, joining Texas catcher Jeffrey Claycomb and pitcher Landon Thiel.