Caleb Houser
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Ohio State has the early lead for a four-star North Carolina defensive line target
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
The Buckeyes are the odds-on favorite for a 2026 blue chip prospect.
Now less than 10 days from the first game of the season, the excitement is ramping up more and more. An Ohio State team that looks poised and ready to confirm all of the hype they’ve attracted all offseason, it feels good to know that meaningful football is so close to getting underway.
Using the next week to continue prepping and further building the confidence in this roster, the off-field aspects still remain very much a priority. The 2025 class and beyond continues to see efforts, and though this staff has missed out lately, there’s still a couple of months before the December signing period for this current cycle, and that means plenty of work is still to be done.
Only so many spots left up for grabs, you can bet the Buckeyes are going to pull out all the stops to ensure their class stays atop of the country.
It’s been impressive to see Larry Johnson’s work this 2025 recruiting class. An increased level of success, LJ has been able to land his top targets for one, but also restock the depth along the defensive line knowing the 2024 campaign will leave the position group with some holes to fill.
After the last couple of recruiting classes brought in fewer players up front, seeing the six guys currently committed is a major win for that side of the ball and the program in general.
Looking like he will keep the momentum going, the Buckeyes have been pegged with multiple predictions in favor of landing four-star 2026 edge rusher Zavion Griffin-Haynes, and that’s not the only North Carolina native Ohio State is seemingly after in the next cycle on the agenda.
Focusing now on fellow 2026 defensive line target, Aiden Harris, the four-star athlete is apparently thinking high on Ohio State, and has the Buckeyes on top per Chad Simmons of On3. Fortunately, the staff may have an easier time than normal recruiting Harris, considering 2025 commit Trajen Odom is a current teammate of his.
The No. 42 player nationally and the second best defensive lineman in the 2026 class per the 247Sports Composite, Harris thinking so high on the Buckeyes is proof to the efforts the defensive staff is putting in right now. Leaning heavily on the North Carolina recruiting grounds seems that it will continue to pay off.
Of course, Ohio State will want to get Harris to campus hopefully this fall to really stretch their lead, but having the inside track right now for another elite defensive lineman is all you can ask for knowing how critical the trenches are to a team’s success. A tip of the cap to Johnson and fingers crossed they get this one done as well.
Hearing from Florida regularly, current Ohio State pledge Jarquez Carter is one of multiple players to be pursued by other schools. Carter being a Florida native, it makes sense to hear the Gators are trying to open the lines of communication.
Committed since July, Carter is another defensive line prospect the Buckeyes were thrilled to add knowing his stock. While the staff is confident they’ve done enough to win out in the end, surely Larry Johnson knows you not only have to recruit those who are uncommitted, but the guys you already have locked in as well.
Continue reading...
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
The Buckeyes are the odds-on favorite for a 2026 blue chip prospect.
Now less than 10 days from the first game of the season, the excitement is ramping up more and more. An Ohio State team that looks poised and ready to confirm all of the hype they’ve attracted all offseason, it feels good to know that meaningful football is so close to getting underway.
Using the next week to continue prepping and further building the confidence in this roster, the off-field aspects still remain very much a priority. The 2025 class and beyond continues to see efforts, and though this staff has missed out lately, there’s still a couple of months before the December signing period for this current cycle, and that means plenty of work is still to be done.
Only so many spots left up for grabs, you can bet the Buckeyes are going to pull out all the stops to ensure their class stays atop of the country.
Buckeyes have the lead for 2026 defensive prospect
It’s been impressive to see Larry Johnson’s work this 2025 recruiting class. An increased level of success, LJ has been able to land his top targets for one, but also restock the depth along the defensive line knowing the 2024 campaign will leave the position group with some holes to fill.
After the last couple of recruiting classes brought in fewer players up front, seeing the six guys currently committed is a major win for that side of the ball and the program in general.
Looking like he will keep the momentum going, the Buckeyes have been pegged with multiple predictions in favor of landing four-star 2026 edge rusher Zavion Griffin-Haynes, and that’s not the only North Carolina native Ohio State is seemingly after in the next cycle on the agenda.
Focusing now on fellow 2026 defensive line target, Aiden Harris, the four-star athlete is apparently thinking high on Ohio State, and has the Buckeyes on top per Chad Simmons of On3. Fortunately, the staff may have an easier time than normal recruiting Harris, considering 2025 commit Trajen Odom is a current teammate of his.
The No. 42 player nationally and the second best defensive lineman in the 2026 class per the 247Sports Composite, Harris thinking so high on the Buckeyes is proof to the efforts the defensive staff is putting in right now. Leaning heavily on the North Carolina recruiting grounds seems that it will continue to pay off.
Of course, Ohio State will want to get Harris to campus hopefully this fall to really stretch their lead, but having the inside track right now for another elite defensive lineman is all you can ask for knowing how critical the trenches are to a team’s success. A tip of the cap to Johnson and fingers crossed they get this one done as well.
Quick Hits
- Much like Ohio State is going to try and do with targets who got away, the Buckeyes are also going to have to defend their own guys from being poached by other programs. A theme every recruiting cycle, the “flipping” of players or at least the effort to do so is there, and current Buckeye commits are no stranger to that notion.
Hearing from Florida regularly, current Ohio State pledge Jarquez Carter is one of multiple players to be pursued by other schools. Carter being a Florida native, it makes sense to hear the Gators are trying to open the lines of communication.
Committed since July, Carter is another defensive line prospect the Buckeyes were thrilled to add knowing his stock. While the staff is confident they’ve done enough to win out in the end, surely Larry Johnson knows you not only have to recruit those who are uncommitted, but the guys you already have locked in as well.
Continue reading...