From LSU’s backyard in Baton Rouge, Blaine Bradford never backed down from his commitment to Ohio State, even after Lane Kiffin took over the Tigers.
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Better Know a Buckeye: Blaine Bradford’s Do-It-All Ability At Safety Could Allow Him to Become a Swiss Army Knife for Ohio State’s Defense
Scouting Report
With quickness and speed to make plays in an opponent's backfield and the range and versatility to defend the secondary as a safety, Bradford can truly do it all while spearheading the defensive backfield.
While he is at his best going downhill, the 6-1, 209-pound safety has the awareness to be a big-time playmaker wherever he is on the field. With already elite size, Bradford could line up wherever Matt Patricia feels he could utilize him on any given play, whether it's at either deep safety position or in the box.
His combination of quickness and his powerful, truck-stick ability makes him an intimidating defender in the secondary. Bradford can both shed blocks near the line of scrimmage and make tackles in space when needed.
Depth Chart Outlook
The top four safeties on Ohio State’s depth chart in 2026 are expected to be Jaylen McClain, Earl Little Jr., Terry Moore and Leroy Roker III, with Moore and Roker competing for a starting spot alongside McClain and Little. That said, Bradford has the skill set, star power and size to make a name for himself immediately and be McClain's backup at strong safety.
Even with four players likely ahead of him on the depth chart in his first season as a Buckeye, Bradford could still see some playing time and be a playmaker on special teams as a freshman, setting him up for a chance to compete for a starting job as a sophomore.