Another day, another commitment for the Ohio State Buckeyes and head coach Ryan Day.

The reigning National Champions had a huge week in regard to the program’s 2026 recruiting class, flipping four-star cornerback Jay Thimmons from the Florida State Seminoles. The commitment from Thimmons was quickly followed by three-star offensive lineman and Cleveland, OH native Mason Wilhelm announcing this week that he has flipped his commitment from North Carolina.

However, Day’s incredible run in the upcoming recruiting class is far from over.

Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett reported on Sunday afternoon that 2026 four-star defensive lineman Emanuel Ruffin has committed to the Buckeyes after recently decommitting from the Colorado Buffaloes earlier this month.

Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) on X BREAKING: Four-Star DL Emanuel Ruffin has Committed to Ohio State, he tells me for @rivals The 6’4 290 DL from Bessemer, AL decommitted from Colorado on Tuesday “John 13:7” https://t.co/SHVGugWI69

Ruffin is currently the No. 12 prospect from the state of Alabama, as well as the No. 26 defensive lineman in the 2026 recruiting class, according to 247Sports’ Composite. Day and his coaching staff have been on the pursuit of the highly-touted prospect since the summer, as Ruffin took an official visit to Columbus in June.

Despite this effort, Ruffin would eventually commit to Colorado three months later.

Luckily for Day and the program, Ruffin announced his decommitment from the Buffaloes on Nov 4, and five days later, he is now part of the Buckeyes’ incredible 2026 class.

During his sophomore and junior seasons at Bessemer City High School, the newest Ohio State commitment tallied 103 tackles, seven tackles for losses, and one forced fumble. Ruffin’s stout play throughout the past two seasons put him on the radar for many power-four programs, including Alabama, Tennessee, Missouri, and Ole Miss.

Looking at the rest of the Buckeyes’ 2026 class, Day’s group ranks seventh amongst all FBS schools, according to 247Sports’ Composite. The class features multiple four-star defensive linemen, such as Khary Wilder and Damari Simeon.

With Ruffin joining the mix, it’s likely that his future role with the program will be a run stopper from the interior of the defensive line. At 6-foot-4, 295 lbs., the Alabama native already possesses the ideal frame for this position, making him another sneaky commit for the Buckeyes as we inch closer to National Signing Day.