Ohio State Buckeyes could shockingly win another five star recruiting battle after latest official visit

Ohio State’s pursuit of linebacker‑edge hybrid Xavier Griffin (2026, 5⭐) has created significant buzz. A former USC de‑committer, Griffin boasts an ideal blend of athleticism—standing 6′3″ and 200+ pounds—and versatility. The Buckeyes treated him to a “red carpet” welcome during his June official visit, and reports suggest that chemistry with the staff—including alignment with LB coach James Laurinaitis and new DC Matt Patricia—was strong .

As an off‑ball linebacker, Griffin could slot straight into Ohio State’s aggressive pressure scheme. In 2024, OSU’s two primary off‑ball LBs generated around 40 pressures and combined for 14 sacks—production Griffin can emulate from Day 1 . His visit came on the heels of major momentum shifts; he was reportedly exploring options including Alabama and Texas. Now, he’s on campus, meeting coaches one‑on‑one and checking foundation life and culture.

Griffin’s emergence into the spotlight speaks volumes about Ohio State’s staff confidence. Ryan Day delegated key recruiting to trusted position coaches like Larry Johnson and Tim Walton—indicative of the value Ohio State places on this pursuit .

Perhaps more surprising is the buzz surrounding Felix Ojo, a 5⭐ offensive tackle from Texas, currently ranked No. 2 at his position (No. 7 overall in the 2026 class). Historically, OSU has struggled to lure elite O‑linemen from out of state—these recruits often opt for schools offering major NIL packages. However, Tyler Bowen’s hire seems to be changing that trend.

In mid‑May, Ojo canceled a scheduled visit to Notre Dame to tour Ohio State’s spring game . Then, he completed an official visit in late May/early June. His take? He felt the “family atmosphere,” faith‑centered culture, and scheme fit—remarkably aligned with his style .

Ojo is set to officially visit other schools—Michigan, Oklahoma, Texas—but OSU’s visit made a splash. A to Z Sports described OSU’s pitch as “excellent,” with coach Bowen making a strong impression . Eleven Warriors detailed how Ojo headlines Ohio State’s first official‑visit weekend, building momentum amid hopes that this could be the breakthrough for elite, out‑state O‑line recruiting .

Pulling Griffin and Ojo into high-profile campus visits signals a strategic shift in OSU’s recruiting:

1. Early June momentum – Recruits naming Columbus for official visits early in the summer (Griffin, Ojo, others) suggests OSU is one of the top contenders.
2. Key coaching influencer – Position coaches are front and center—Laurinaitis on defense, Bowen on offense—indicative of trust and targeted recruiting.
3. Culture + scheme chemistry – Griffin reportedly resonated with the pro experience and wisdom of Patricia and Laurinaitis. Ojo responded positively to the Buckeyes’ faith‑based environment, tight family feel, and potential early playing time .
4. Consistency with momentum – OSU is currently ranked No. 3 nationally in 2026 recruiting class rankings, with 13 commitments already on board . Landing either Griffin or Ojo could push them toward the No. 1 spot.

Of course, OSU isn’t recruiting in a vacuum:

• Griffin is courted by Alabama, Texas, and Florida State—grappling with elite SEC offers. OSU needs to continue making that edge/backer hybrid feel essential to its defense.
• Ojo is being heavily pursued by Texas—especially as his Texas roots run deep. His other visits (Michigan, Oklahoma) further complicate things. OSU is working to counter with NIL opportunities, scheme, and family ties .

A glimpse into Buckeyes Twitter and Reddit communities shows widespread excitement:

“I like this Tyler Bowen guy… and to think he hasn’t even started in his DMV footprint yet”
“Two OT commits in two days. I like what I’m seeing”

These reflections highlight the emerging faith among fans in OSU’s ability to recruit elite linemen—even from power O‑line pipelines. It’s a dramatic departure from past struggles in that area.

Felix Ojo: Visits planned at Michigan, Oklahoma, Texas. Likely decision window: late summer through fall of 2025—possibly before senior season or in-season.

• Xavier Griffin: After multiple visits and realignment following a USC de‑commitment, his timetable looks similar: summer into early fall of 2025—OSU could claim a decision before the early signing window.
• Capitalize now: Build on cultural visits—family dinners, coach relationship building, NIL offers that highlight scheme and EC stability.
• Showcase early playing potential: Both recruits are likely to start early; demonstrations and projection diagrams appeal.
• Sustain momentum: Continued in-person engagement, winter and spring practice visits, and strengths exposure will be pivotal.

Griffin

With key influences like Laurinaitis, Patricia, Day, and red‑carpet visits in June, OSU lands a serious contender. This is a recruiting battle right at Ohio State’s defense-savvy wheelhouse.

Ojo

If Bowen sustains his recruiting surge, and the Buckeyes consistently market Ohio State as a place to play fast and early on the line—while matching NIL—there’s a real shot. That said, Texas will fight fire with fire: Ojo’s home-state pull may prove difficult.

June isn’t just about them. OSU is also hosting other five-star recruits:

• Savion Hiter (RB, 5⭐) visited after multiple spring trips; Tennessee and Michigan are also in play .
• Richard Wesley (DE, 5⭐ Oregon commit) scheduled an August official visit after an unofficial in April .
• Also on campus: four‑star Drew Evers, elite tight ends, DL targets.

Each of these visitors contributes to the atmosphere—as OSU ramps into full-time aspirational mode.

• 2026 Class: Already ranked No. 3 nationally with 13 commits .
  • Landing Griffin + Ojo could push them to No. 1.
  • Those are two of the five highest-rated players at their positions nationwide.
• Momentum: OSU’s recent spring/summer activity legitimizes it as a serious destination for elite talent, especially post‑title win.

Ohio State absolutely can “shockingly win” another five‑star recruiting battle. The conditions are right:

• They’ve brought two elite out‑of‑state talents to campus amid stiff competition.
• Relationship-building appears strong—with part of the value coming from experienced national-class coaches.
• Fans and markets are affirming trust in OSU’s ability to land recruits once considered out of reach, especially on the offensive line.

But challenges remain. Texas, Alabama, SEC schools—they all bring immense resources and allure. Final decisions will come down to how OSU sustains momentum through offers, staff follow-ups, game-film visits, and NIL pitches.

Bottom line: Ohio State is in the hunt. They’ve put themselves in position to land another five-star—likely Xavier Griffin or Felix Ojo. If the momentum holds, this summer’s class could shift from “top‑three” to national best.