While the Ohio State Buckeyes are continuing to enjoy a successful 2025 campaign, head coach Ryan Day and the program has done a terrific job recently on the 2026 recruiting class.
Day has been known for being an elite recruiter, leading to multiple top-five classes throughout his time as the head coach. But over the course of the last month, the reigning National Champions have taken their recruiting efforts to another level.
Ohio State kicked off the hot stint on the recruiting trail by flipping 2026 three-star cornerback/safety Khmari Bing from his in-state program, the Maryland Terrapins. A top-25 prospect in the state of Maryland, Bing now provides additional depth to the Buckeyes’ 2026 cornerback room.
However, Bing was only the prelude to what became a massive recruiting haul for Day.
Shortly after flipping the Maryland native, Ohio State continued to pouch recruits by flipping both four-star defensive back Jay Thimmons and three-star interior offensive lineman Mason Wilhelm. Thimmons, who was originally committed to Florida State, is the second-highest rated cornerback in the Buckeyes' 2026 class, while Wilhelm is the son of former Ohio State All-American Matt Wilhelm.
Just when you thought Day’s dominant recruiting run would slow down, the Buckeyes managed to pile on the recruits this week.
On Sunday, four-star defensive tackle and former Colorado Buffalo commit Emanuel Ruffin announced his commitment to Ohio State. Ruffin is a top-25 defensive lineman in the 2026 class and is now the best interior defensive lineman in the Buckeyes’ class.
In addition to Ruffin, four-star athlete Legend Bey flipped his commitment from the Tennessee Volunteers to Ohio State on Monday afternoon. Bey has spent his high school career as the quarterback at North Forney High School, but his incredible speed with the ball in his hands makes him a huge commitment.
With five prospects flipping their commitment to the Buckeyes, the program is the No. 7-ranked school in the 2026 recruiting cycle, according to 247Sports’ Composite. Luckily for fans, Day and his coaching staff are still looking to flip multiple recruits prior to National Signing Day.
Four-star offensive tackle and UCLA Bruins commit Micah Smith took an official visit to Columbus during the team’s week six blowout against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. On top of Smith, the Buckeyes are set to host four-star cornerback and Florida Gators’ commit CJ Bronaugh on an official visit this week.