Ohio State makes the cut for a top 2026 RB, likely to miss out on another EDGE

Derrek Cooper keeps Ohio State in the mix ahead of his July 20 commitment date.

Not hosting recruits on campus right now, it’s a more quiet time surrounding Ohio State recruiting in regards to in-person efforts. It’s decision season for several guys on the big board for the Buckeyes, and the 2026 class is really starting to take shape for programs across the country.

Still an impressive class, Ohio State sits at sixth with 21 commitments, with hopes to land additional top guys sooner rather than later. Likely not going north of 25 players, it’s unlikely Ohio State finishes in the top three of the rankings purely based on quantity, but looking at a handful of realistic options should present the chance at finishing in the top five when all is said and done.

Results to soon follow, Ohio State’s coaching staff will see where they’ve won and where they need to pivot as they look to fill important pieces before signing day.

Buckeyes in the top five for Cooper ahead of decision

Ohio State and position coach Carlos Locklyn have long presented the desire to take two running backs in the 2026 class. One in the fold thanks to Ohio native Favoir Akih, the Buckeyes have still hunted a list of names and over the course of this cycle. Several of those names have come and gone in terms of being real possibilities.

An ever-changing landscape that is recruiting, Ohio State has had some mainstay guys they’re after, but in July there’s just a small few remaining they can look to as potential additions. Florida native and familiar prep Chaminade-Madonna product Derrek Cooper has been a common theme this recruiting class, and fortunately for the Buckeyes he will continue to be.

The No. 30 player nationally and second-ranked athlete in the class per the 247Sports Composite, Cooper took to social media on Thursday to share the latest news in his recruitment as he narrowed it down to just five remaining schools he is still considering before making his commitment.

In addition to Ohio State, four southern schools in Florida State, Georgia, Miami, and Texas were left with a chance. From that list, Texas is the only program listed that doesn’t have a true running back already committed, so they have the ability to prioritize him as the guy. Still, this can be anyone’s race if they put their money with their mouth is.

The Buckeyes are still recruiting the top running back in the class in Savion Hiter, but with Michigan and Tennessee reportedly offering more money in the NIL aspects, Ohio State may not be as much of a threat down the stretch. Regardless, Ohio State is in the top schools list for both Cooper and Hiter. If they really want a second back in this class, they’re going to have to pony up it seems.

Cooper’s commitment coming July 20. Ohio State won’t have to wait long to see their fate and whether or not they need to pivot elsewhere, but this late into the summer the options are coming off the board.

Not looking good for Ohio State to land four-star edge rusher

The position in this class facing the most scrutiny for Ohio State’s 2026 class is edge rusher. Just one player committed thanks to Khary Wilder, the Buckeyes have missed out thus far on basically all of their top targets they’ve put a ton of time and effort into. NIL amounts being the main reason for finishing runner-up many times, it’s a tough place to be in whether or not these deals end up panning out or not.

Ohio State’s options are wearing thin, and Texas native KJ Ford is in many aspects the last true big name player the Buckeyes are chasing in this cycle before having to reassess where to go if they are to miss out. Making his top three schools list just last week, Ford kept the Buckeyes in the mix with Florida and Texas A&M, but with his planned commitment coming later today, Thursday that sent a major change to his recruitment if the predictions hold true.

Coming out of left field, Alabama was pegged as the landing spot by On3’s Steve Wiltfong. Similar to the Felix Ojo’s recruitment to Texas Tech, it’s another instance where a program not originally in the running makes a late push and becomes a real threat. The No. 116 player nationally and 15th best edge rusher per the 247Sports Composite, it’s easy to see why bigger offers are coming late in the game with not many of these caliber guys left.

Learning their fate today, it’s not likely Ohio State wins this recruitment, and it will be another blow to the cycle that hasn’t been real kind at the edge rusher position. A spot that’s thin on the current roster thanks to similar recruiting cycles the last couple of years, the Buckeyes have some major work to do to reload this group of importance following this season.

Whether that’s now or through the transfer portal, Larry Johnson and Ohio State need to adjust and do so quickly.