Which five questions are the most important for Ohio State football’s recruiting class in 2026?

Ohio State University football is one of the most prestigious programs in the country, consistently competing for national championships and attracting top-tier talent from across the nation. The recruiting process plays a critical role in the Buckeyes’ success, as they need to secure a steady pipeline of high-caliber athletes in order to remain competitive at the highest levels. As Ohio State looks to build its recruiting class for 2026, several key questions will determine how well they position themselves to maintain their dominance in college football.

Recruiting is not just about signing the most talented players, but also about filling specific needs, maintaining program culture, and staying ahead of the competition. The answers to these questions will guide the Ohio State coaching staff in securing the next generation of Buckeyes and building a roster capable of competing for championships for years to come.

1. How Will Ohio State Address the Quarterback Position in the 2026 Class?

One of the most pressing questions for Ohio State’s recruiting class in 2026 is how they will approach the quarterback position. The Buckeyes have a storied tradition of developing elite quarterbacks, from Troy Smith to Justin Fields, and the quarterback position is always a focal point of the recruiting process.

By 2026, Ohio State will have potentially developed its current quarterback, whether it be Kyle McCord, Devin Brown, or another young signal-caller, but recruiting a top-tier quarterback for the future remains critical. The class of 2026 could offer a chance to secure a quarterback who can take over the program in the post-C.J. Stroud era and continue the Buckeyes’ offensive dominance.

A key factor in addressing the quarterback position will be the evaluation of not only talent but fit within the system. Ohio State’s offensive system requires a quarterback who can not only throw with precision but also manage a fast-paced, spread offense. Ohio State has been successful in recruiting quarterbacks who can execute this system at a high level, and it will be crucial to find a 2026 recruit who can continue that legacy.

The staff will likely look for a quarterback who is physically gifted, a strong leader, and capable of handling the pressure of being the face of the program. The 2026 recruiting class could see some of the top quarterbacks in the nation on Ohio State’s radar, and the competition for top quarterback talent will be fierce. Ohio State must strike the right balance of recruiting a player with immense talent and one who is a good fit for the long-term success of the program.

2. How Will Ohio State Build Depth in the Defensive Line?

One area that is consistently a focus for Ohio State in recruiting is the defensive line. The Buckeyes have had some of the most dominant defensive linemen in the country, including names like Joey Bosa, Nick Bosa, Chase Young, and more recently J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer. For Ohio State to maintain its defensive prowess, it is vital that they continue to add elite defensive line talent to their recruiting class in 2026.

Recruiting on the defensive line is not just about landing one or two big names, but rather about creating depth. Depth in the trenches is essential for a team that competes at a high level, particularly in the Big Ten, where power football and dominant running games are still prevalent. Ohio State’s defense has been a major asset in its championship runs, and the defensive line has been at the core of that success.

In the 2026 recruiting class, Ohio State will be looking for players who can come in and contribute immediately, as well as those who can develop into future stars. The defensive line needs to be filled with athletes who are quick, strong, and versatile—able to rush the passer, stop the run, and play multiple positions across the line. It’s also important to secure recruits who have the ability to impact the game at all levels of the defense, from affecting the quarterback to controlling the line of scrimmage.

One of the biggest challenges for Ohio State’s coaching staff will be evaluating and targeting defensive linemen who can continue the program’s tradition of elite pass rushers and interior disruptors. In 2026, there will be a need to focus not only on talent but also on finding players who fit the defensive scheme that the Buckeyes have built under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.

3. How Will Ohio State Address the Wide Receiver Position in 2026?

Ohio State has a rich tradition of producing NFL-caliber wide receivers. From Chris Olave to Garrett Wilson, the Buckeyes have consistently sent top-tier receivers to the professional ranks. With this tradition, it’s no surprise that the recruiting class for 2026 will heavily emphasize finding top-tier wide receiver talent.

The importance of this position cannot be overstated. Quarterbacks and wide receivers have a symbiotic relationship in Ohio State’s offense, with the wideouts being asked to stretch the field, make contested catches, and create explosive plays. With the departure of key players like Olave and Wilson in recent years, and with C.J. Stroud heading to the NFL after 2023, the next wave of playmakers needs to be in place to help continue the offense’s success.

For Ohio State, the goal will be to find wide receivers who are not only physically gifted but also have the versatility to fit into the spread offense. This means looking for players who can run precise routes, gain separation, and make spectacular catches. Additionally, Ohio State’s coaching staff will need to target wide receivers who are capable of making plays in a variety of situations, whether it’s on quick screens, deep routes, or jump balls in the red zone.

With the dynamic and highly competitive nature of recruiting for wide receivers, Ohio State will need to make early moves to secure the top recruits in the country. Given the importance of this position to their offense’s success, Ohio State will undoubtedly focus on attracting the best high school talent in the country for the 2026 class.

4. Can Ohio State Maintain Its Recruiting Advantage in the State of Ohio?

Ohio State has long benefited from its dominance in recruiting Ohio-based talent. The state of Ohio consistently produces some of the best football prospects in the country, and Ohio State’s ability to recruit homegrown talent has been a huge advantage for the program. With the success of recent Ohio State teams, the Buckeyes have maintained a stronghold on the best players in the state.

However, with the increasing importance of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and the rise of competition from other major programs, Ohio State will face new challenges in keeping its recruiting advantage in Ohio. Programs like Michigan, Penn State, and Notre Dame, as well as SEC powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU, are constantly fighting to recruit top players from Ohio. In the 2026 class, Ohio State’s ability to maintain its local recruiting dominance will be tested.

The Buckeyes will need to continue their emphasis on building relationships with high school coaches, offering early commitments to in-state players, and selling the benefits of staying home to play for Ohio State. The program’s strong history of developing talent and preparing players for the NFL should still be a major selling point, but Ohio State will have to adapt to the changing landscape of college football recruiting.

Maintaining that in-state recruiting advantage will be critical for Ohio State in securing talent across all positions, particularly given the state’s deep talent pool. If the Buckeyes continue to lock down the best players from Ohio, they will remain a major force on the national stage.

5. How Will Ohio State Adapt to the Changing Landscape of NIL and Transfer Portal?

The rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and the transfer portal has fundamentally changed the landscape of college football recruiting. For Ohio State, this new era presents both opportunities and challenges. The 2026 recruiting class will be the first to experience a fully evolved college football landscape with NIL deals a regular part of the recruiting conversation.

Ohio State has already positioned itself as one of the most lucrative programs in terms of NIL opportunities for its players, but the competition in this area is fierce. Programs like Texas A&M, Alabama, and USC have all been aggressive in securing NIL deals for their players. Ohio State will need to continue to be innovative in its approach to NIL, ensuring that recruits understand the financial opportunities available to them without compromising their academic and athletic pursuits.

The transfer portal also presents a new dynamic for recruiting. Instead of waiting for a player to commit out of high school, Ohio State could look to the portal to fill immediate needs, particularly if a position group faces unexpected departures. With the increased mobility of players, recruiting in 2026 may involve a mix of high school prospects and transfer portal targets, requiring Ohio State’s coaching staff to be adept at managing both fronts.

In sum, Ohio State’s success in recruiting for 2026 will depend on how well the program can navigate the changing landscape of college football. They will need to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to NIL, while also continuing to find and develop the best talent in the country.