Ohio State Buckeyes Receive Major News on 4-Star 2026 Defender, Hayes Fawcett

As of April 3, 2025, there is no publicly available information indicating that the Ohio State Buckeyes have received major news regarding a 4-star defender named Hayes Fawcett in the 2026 recruiting class. It’s important to note that Hayes Fawcett is a well-known recruiting analyst for On3, rather than a high school athlete.
In recent months, the Buckeyes have been actively involved in recruiting top defensive talent for the 2026 class. Notably, they have been included in the top considerations for several high-profile recruits. For instance, five-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell, ranked as the No. 1 recruit in the 2026 class, has listed Ohio State among his top six schools. Cantwell, standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 315 pounds, hails from Nixa, Missouri, and has expressed interest in Ohio State’s winning culture and strong offensive line group.
Additionally, the Buckeyes have secured commitments from other talented players in the 2026 class. Four-star tight end Corbyn Fordham from Jacksonville, Florida, committed to Ohio State, choosing the Buckeyes over programs like Georgia, Clemson, and Michigan. Fordham is currently ranked as the No. 15 tight end in the 2026 recruiting class.
The Buckeyes are also in contention for other top defensive prospects. Four-star linebacker Anthony Davis from Loganville, Georgia, has included Ohio State in his top 12 schools, alongside programs like Clemson, Alabama, and Texas. At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, Davis is noted for his athleticism and speed, qualities that would bolster Ohio State’s linebacker corps.
Furthermore, the Buckeyes are pursuing four-star cornerback Havon Finney, who has expressed strong interest in Ohio State following his scholarship offer. Finney plans to visit the campus within the next month, indicating a growing relationship between him and the Buckeyes’ coaching staff.
While Ohio State has experienced some recruiting setbacks, such as missing out on four-star safety Zech Fort, who committed to Georgia, citeturn0search3 the program continues to demonstrate resilience by securing commitments from other top-tier talents and remaining a competitive force in the recruiting landscape.
In summary, while there is no specific news regarding a 4-star defender named Hayes Fawcett joining the Ohio State Buckeyes, the team remains active and successful in recruiting top defensive talent for the 2026 class.