Ohio State adds 2026 big-legged kicker Cooper Peterson
Ohio State has added a big-legged kicker to its 2026 recruiting class in Cooper Peterson.
Shortly after North Carolina kicker Cooper Peterson visited Ohio State in mid-September, he told Bucknuts he'd "likely" accept an offer from the Buckeyes if he was given one.
True to his word, he committed to the scarlet and gray a few months later.
The Charlotte resident officially committed to the Buckeyes on Friday, Peterson announced on his social media account.
"I'm blessed to announce my commitment to play football and continue my academic career at The Ohio State University," Peterson wrote in his announcement. "I want to thank God for blessing me with this amazing opportunity to play football at Ohio State. I want to thank Coach Daniels, Coach Keys, and Coach Day for giving me this amazing opportunity to play football at an amazing program. Thank you to my family for making everything possible and without their support I wouldn't be in the position I am right now. Thank you to my kicking coach Dan Orner for helping me grow the last few years. Thank you to Corvian football and Coach Chris for believing in me since the start. I also want to thank all of my friends and everyone that has supported me along this journey. I'm excited for what the future holds and I'm proud to say I'm a Buckeye. GO BUCKEYES!"
Peterson visited Ohio State for the Buckeyes' third game of the season against the Ohio Bobcats. It was his second trip to Ohio Stadium, as he visited Columbus for the Iowa game in 2024. The North Carolina standout said he's made it a priority to extend his kicking range within the past season and considers himself a long-distance kicker. He also handled punting duties for Corvian Community High School.
"I'd say I'm probably good from 55 to 60 yards," Peterson told Bucknuts in September. "My coach is happy to send me out there for longer field goals, in practice we attempt it from 60 all the time. As I've gotten in the gym more and gotten stronger, everything has just progressed."
Peterson chose Ohio State over Michigan State, who offered the big-legged kicker earlier this fall.
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