Once again, an offensive line commitment in Ohio State’s 2026 class, but the team will be without two key stars for at least two months, Ryan Day cried out.
Wednesday was a major day for Ohio State football, as the Buckeyes took center stage with over 140 NFL personnel in attendance for their 2025 Pro Day. With scouts and team representatives closely watching, draft-eligible Buckeyes delivered standout performances, reinforcing Ohio State’s reputation for player development. The event further solidified the program’s “Developed Here” mantra, proving once again why it remains a top destination for recruits aiming for the NFL.
From a recruiting standpoint, Ohio State hardly needs to sell itself when the sheer number of NFL scouts flocking to campus speaks volumes. Given that most recruits dream of reaching the professional level, the Buckeyes continue to dominate as one of the premier programs for player growth and development.
Buckeyes Secure Another Big Offensive Line Commitment for 2026
Offensive line coach Tyler Bowen, though relatively new in his role, is already making a strong impact in recruiting. After securing top in-state lineman Maxwell Riley for the 2026 class, Bowen followed up with another significant win by landing Sam Greer earlier this week. On Wednesday, Ohio State continued its momentum as Arizona native Tucker Smith announced his commitment to the Buckeyes.
Ranked No. 798 nationally and the 71st-best interior lineman by the 247Sports Composite, Smith’s recruitment process was swift. He visited Columbus just last week, received an offer while on campus, and wasted little time in deciding that Ohio State was the right fit. Smith chose the Buckeyes over Arizona, Arkansas, Oklahoma State, USC, and Washington, becoming the third offensive line commit in Ohio State’s 2026 class, which is expected to grow to six or seven members.
At 6-foot-5 and 280 pounds, Smith brings a wrestling background, making him an ideal prospect for the interior line—a role the coaching staff envisions for him. With seven total members now in the 2026 class, the Buckeyes are climbing the recruiting rankings rapidly. Bowen’s quick success has relieved some pressure on the coaching staff, and his early impact suggests Ohio State’s offensive line recruiting will only continue to gain momentum.
Top In-State Running Back Set for Another Ohio State Visit
As Ohio State returns to the practice field on Thursday, the team continues to focus on both player development and recruiting. One of the key visitors making his way back to Columbus is in-state running back Favour Akih, whose recruitment has been trending strongly in Ohio State’s favor.
Ranked No. 205 nationally and the 15th-best running back in the 2026 class, Akih received an Ohio State offer just over a week ago. Since then, the Buckeyes have surged to the top of his recruitment alongside Miami. While Akih has official visits planned for the summer, there is growing speculation that he could commit to Ohio State following this latest trip.
With Ohio State likely looking to add two running backs in this cycle, securing a top in-state talent like Akih would be a major win. If things go well during his visit, the Buckeyes may soon receive more good news on the recruiting front.
