Ohio State checks in on top 2026 targets, offers 2027 OT

The Buckeyes were in all four corners of the country on Wednesday.

Landing two running backs in this cycle has always been the goal for position coach Carlos Locklyn, who has made no shortage of efforts in trying to make sure he lands a pair of top targets in the 2026 class. With plenty of big-time names in the mix, there’s been four guys tied to Ohio State more than anyone else:

Savion Hiter, Carsyn Baker, Favour Akih, and Derrek Cooper.

Yet to land a commitment in the class thus far, Locklyn has no worries that the job will get done, but who it will be remains a question. Wednesday provided another chance for the Buckeyes to continue their pursuit. Two of the four aforementioned running backs received a visit from Locklyn, further proving how high of a priority each is on Ohio State’s big board.

The No. 16 player nationally and the top running back in the 2026 class per the 247Sports Composite, Ohio State has really pushed all their chips in with Virginia native Savion Hiter, and so far so good. A stop on the trail the Buckeyes have made multiple times now this spring, Hiter has to feel how important he is to Ohio State, and the current vibes remain pretty strong for both sides.

Holding offers from every major program in the country, the Buckeyes are in good position, but will continue to make moves like this to ensure Hiter knows he’s got a home in Columbus if he so chooses.

Making yet another stop on Wednesday, a quick flight and a change of clothes is all Locklyn needed apparently as he also made a stop in Florida to check in on Derrek Cooper. A product of the familiar Chaminade-Madonna prep, the Buckeyes have struck gold there before with the likes of Jeremiah Smith, and they’d love nothing more than to keep a fresh pipeline growing in Southern Florida at one of the premier programs.

The No. 30 player nationally and the second ranked athlete per the 247Sports Composite grades, Cooper is another player with an impressive list of offers from every major school in the country. Currently, Miami owns the lone Crystal Ball prediction, but other suitors have a chance here too.

The aforementioned Akih and Baker are two guys that felt somewhat likely to commit by now, but these latest visits should show Ohio State is keeping their options open with these four names and will continue to do so until they have at least two in the fold.

Visits not the only job on Wednesday, Ohio State also found time to offer a new prospect by way of Jake Hildebrand. Taking to his social media to share the latest update in his recruitment, the 6-foot-6, 285 pound Chandler, Arizona native is the latest to be on the receiving end of position coach Tyler Bowen’s recruiting efforts.

The No. 80 player nationally and the 8th best offensive tackle in the 2027 class per the 247Sports Composite, Hildebrand adds the Buckeyes to a list of nearly 40 other schools to be in the mix. Alabama, Florida State, Miami, Notre Dame, Oregon, Penn State, Texas, USC, to name a few, it’s easy to see why the Buckeyes felt the need to also throw their name into the ring.

As always, the goal now will be for Ohio State’s staff to get him on campus. With plenty of major recruiting opportunities coming in a couple of weeks, look for the Buckeyes to target that timeframe to show him what the program has to offer.

Quick Hits

• On Wednesday five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin backed out of his commitment to USC. The No. 22 player nationally and second best linebacker in the country per the 247Sports Composite, Griffin wasted no time in sharing his visit plans now that USC is out — at least for the time being.

Slated to see four schools in the coming weeks, Ohio State will host him on May 30 followed by stops to Alabama, Texas, and Florida State. The Buckeyes couldn’t be higher on fellow Georgia linebacker target Tyler Atkinson, but is happy to play host to both.

Looking deeper, if Griffin decides on Georgia as his new destination, that very well could help the Buckeyes stay atop of the mix for Atkinson.

• Already loaded with elite players in the secondary, Ohio State is looking for more and sits in great position for Mississippi native Bralan Womack.

The No. 21 player nationally and top safety per the 247Sports Composite, Ohio State made time to check in with him on Wednesday, and momentum continues to be on the side of the Buckeyes. Multiple predictions in favor of Ohio State, the idea of Womack joining Blaine Bradford and Simeon Caldwell is almost too good to be true, but looks more and more possible as of late.