Ohio State football is pursuing another safety from SEC country. Will the Buckeyes land a commitment?
Ohio State’s Strategic Pursuit of Top SEC Safety Recruits: A 2025 Outlook
Ohio State’s football program has demonstrated a keen interest in securing elite safety talent from SEC territories, aiming to bolster its defensive lineup. This strategy is evident in their pursuit of standout recruits such as Blaine Bradford, DeShawn Stewart, and Faheem Delane. Each of these prospects brings unique skills and potential to the table, aligning with Ohio State’s commitment to maintaining a dominant defense in the Big Ten.
Blaine Bradford: A Five-Star Commitment from Louisiana
In a significant development, five-star safety Blaine Bradford from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, committed to Ohio State in March 2025. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 205 pounds, Bradford is recognized as the No. 1 safety in the 2026 recruiting class by both On3 and 247Sports. His decision to join Ohio State is particularly notable as it marks a rare occasion where the Buckeyes have secured a top-tier recruit from SEC-dominant regions like Louisiana. Bradford’s commitment is seen as a strategic move by Ohio State to enhance its defensive backfield and to make inroads into traditionally SEC-heavy recruiting grounds
DeShawn Stewart: A 2025 Safety with Strong SEC Connections
DeShawn Stewart, a 2025 safety from Georgia, has been a significant addition to Ohio State’s recruiting efforts. His commitment underscores the Buckeyes’ strategy of targeting high-caliber talent from SEC regions. Stewart’s decision to join Ohio State reflects the program’s growing influence and appeal in areas traditionally dominated by SEC schools.
Faheem Delane: A Maryland Prospect with SEC Interest
Faheem Delane, a four-star safety from Olney, Maryland, committed to Ohio State in June 2024. While Maryland is not part of the SEC footprint, Delane’s recruitment was influenced by interest from SEC programs, highlighting Ohio State’s competitive positioning in the national recruiting landscape. His commitment adds depth to Ohio State’s secondary and reflects the program’s ability to attract top talent from across the country
Strategic Implications for Ohio State’s Defense
The commitment of these recruits signifies a deliberate effort by Ohio State to strengthen its defensive backfield with elite talent from SEC regions. This strategy not only enhances the team’s defensive capabilities but also positions Ohio State as a formidable competitor in national recruiting, capable of attracting top-tier prospects from areas traditionally dominated by SEC programs.
Ohio State’s focused recruitment of top safety prospects from SEC territories reflects a strategic approach to building a dominant defense. The commitments of Blaine Bradford, DeShawn Stewart, and Faheem Delane are indicative of the program’s growing influence and its ability to attract elite talent from across the country. As these recruits develop within the program, they are expected to play pivotal roles in Ohio State’s defensive schemes, contributing to the team’s continued success in the Big Ten and on the national stage.
