2026 IMG Academy Defensive Tackle Cameron Brickle Commits to Ohio State
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Buckeyes just got a whole lot stronger up front.
In a massive recruiting win for Ryan Day and defensive line coach Larry Johnson, Cameron Brickle, a four-star defensive tackle out of IMG Academy, has officially committed to Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class. The 6-foot-3, 305-pound interior force announced his pledge on Saturday, choosing the Buckeyes over heavyweights such as Alabama, Florida, Michigan, and LSU.
“Ohio State is where I’ll become the best version of myself — on and off the field,” Brickle said in his announcement. “Coach Johnson is a legend, and I can’t wait to be part of the next great Rushmen unit.”
Brickle is one of the top defensive tackles in the 2026 class, ranked:
- Top 100 overall player nationally
- Top 10 defensive tackle
- Top 25 prospect in Florida by 247Sports, On3, and Rivals
A native of Atlanta who transferred to IMG to face elite national competition, Brickle has dominated elite offensive lines with raw power, relentless motor, and a veteran-like understanding of leverage and gap control.
In his junior season, Brickle posted:
- 61 tackles
- 16 tackles for loss
- 8.5 sacks
- 3 forced fumbles
He earned invitations to the Under Armour Next All-America Game and Rivals Five-Star Challenge, where he impressed with his quickness off the snap and violent hands — rare traits for a player his size.
Brickle is exactly the kind of lineman Larry Johnson has built his legacy on: strong, explosive, technically sound, and versatile enough to play multiple interior positions. He’ll likely begin as a 3-technique but has shown the agility to play nose or slide outside in certain fronts.
Johnson personally led the recruitment, hosting Brickle during multiple visits to Columbus, including the Buckeyes’ June “Summer Bash” weekend, where Brickle connected with current commits and NFL alumni.
“Coach J keeps it real,” Brickle said. “He develops you as a player and a man. It just felt like home.”
Brickle becomes the fifth defensive commit and the second defensive lineman in Ohio State’s 2026 class, joining:
- Zion Carter (FL) – 4⭐️ DE
- Tywan Bell (OH) – 4⭐️ DL
- Jared Curtis (TN) – 4⭐️ QB
- Chris Henry Jr. (OH) – 5⭐️ WR
- Marcus Harris (CA) – 4⭐️ ATH
With Brickle on board, Ohio State is loading up in the trenches for the future of Big Ten and CFP competition — a direct response to the physical demands of the expanded playoff format and SEC-style line play.
This commitment also boosts the Buckeyes’ 2026 class into Top 3 territory nationally.
Recruiting analysts and insiders immediately praised the Buckeyes for landing one of the most college-ready linemen in the country:
- Steve Wiltfong (247Sports):
“Brickle has SEC size and Big Ten discipline. Huge win for Ohio State in a national recruitment.” - Chad Simmons (On3):
“IMG kids are battle-tested, and Brickle is a plug-and-play monster. Ryan Day and Coach J just got a future All-Big Ten anchor.”
Brickle will likely enroll early at Ohio State, positioning him to compete for rotational reps by his freshman season. His ceiling? All-American, future Day 2 NFL Draft pick, and interior anchor in multiple defensive packages.
Paired with the Buckeyes’ elite edge-rushing pipeline, Brickle gives Ohio State a formidable inside-out defensive line rotation for years to come.
In the battle for the trenches, Ohio State just landed a foundational piece. Cameron Brickle brings the power, poise, and pedigree to thrive in Columbus — and the mindset to lead.
The 2026 class is shaping up to be special, and with Brickle in the middle, the future of the Buckeyes’ defense looks elite.
Welcome to the Rushmen Brotherhood, Cameron Brickle.
