The Ohio State Buckeyes and head coach Ryan Day were able to flip an in-state prospect from the Clemson Tigers on Wednesday.
After losing offensive coordinator Brian Hartline and multiple highly-touted recruits during the early National Signing Day period, the Ohio State Buckeyes and head coach Ryan Day were able to redeem themselves this week.
While the news of Hartline accepting the head coaching position at USF shocked the entire fanbase, the move led to the decomittment of four-star wide receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt.
In addition to Dixon-Wyatt, the Buckeyes have now entered into a recruiting battle for five-star prospect Chris Henry Jr. with the Oregon Ducks.
Luckily, Day was able to land a reinforcement on Thursday to help soften the blow of Dixon-Wyatt and Henry, if he decides to decommit.
On Wednesday, 2026 four-star safety Kaden Gebhardt announced that he is decommitting from the Clemson Tigers and signing with the Buckeyes.
Gebhardt is currently a top-12 prospect in the state of Ohio, as well as a top-25 safety in the 2026 recruiting class, according to 247Sports. The in-state talent has been on Day’s radar since last year, but he would quickly announce his commitment to Clemson shortly after receiving an offer from the program.
However, the Buckeyes continued to keep a close eye on Gebhardt this year, which allowed the program to bring him in for an official visit to Columbus back in June.
Gebhardt remained committed to the Tigers throughout the duration of the 2025 college football regular season, but on the big day, he ultimately decided to stay close to home.
In his four years at Olentangy High School, Gebhardt recorded over 418 total tackles and 13 tackles for losses, while also racking up 17 pass breakups and 11 interceptions with the Braves. At 6-foot-2, 200 lbs., the talented defender already possesses a terrific frame that will translate to the college level.
Looking at the Buckeyes’ 2026 recruiting class, Day’s group is the No. 6-ranked program in the current cycle, with Ohio State managing to sign 26 prospects this year. The only player that has yet to sign is Henry, who has received multiple predictions to flip his commitment to Oregon.
Gebhardt is also one of three safety commits in the Buckeyes’ 2026 class, joining four-stars Blaine Bradford and Simeon Caldwell.