Ohio State has a budding new recruiting rival to battle in the 2026 class..

Ohio State Faces a New Recruiting Rival for the 2026 Class: The Rising Threat to the Buckeyes

In the world of college football, recruiting is an ever-evolving battle, with schools constantly jockeying for position to secure the best talent. Ohio State, a perennial powerhouse in the NCAA, has long been a dominant force in the recruiting arena, consistently securing top-tier players from across the nation, particularly from their own backyard in Ohio. However, as the college football landscape changes, a new and emerging rival is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the 2026 recruiting class. This rival is not an unfamiliar name in college football but is rapidly turning heads and challenging Ohio State’s dominance.

For the Buckeyes, historically, their biggest competitors have been schools like Michigan, Penn State, and Clemson, along with some southern powerhouses like Alabama and Georgia. However, the emergence of programs like the University of Tennessee, USC, and even Notre Dame as strong competitors for elite talent could signal a new era in the recruiting world. These schools have made concerted efforts to challenge Ohio State, particularly as NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals become more prevalent and schools start to leverage new ways to attract top talent.

In this article, we will dive into how Ohio State‘s recruiting process may be affected by the growing competition, the programs now vying for the same recruits, and how the 2026 class may be the turning point in the battle for dominance in college football recruiting.

Ohio State’s Recruiting Legacy

Before we explore the rising competition, it’s essential to understand Ohio State’s position in the recruiting world. The Buckeyes have historically been one of the top programs in the country, not only in terms of on-field success but also in their ability to recruit top talent year in and year out. Under head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State has continued to recruit at an elite level, regularly securing top 10 classes nationally and attracting players from all over the country.

Ohio State’s recruitment strategy has been built on several key pillars:

1. Strong In-State Recruiting

Ohio is a fertile recruiting ground, with a rich tradition of producing elite football talent. The Buckeyes have capitalized on this by securing some of the best players in the state every year. This in-state advantage has been a key driver in their success, with players like CJ Stroud, J.K. Dobbins, and Chase Young all coming from Ohio’s high schools.

2. National Recruiting Reach

While Ohio State has had great success in recruiting players from Ohio, they have also expanded their reach nationally. The Buckeyes have consistently landed top recruits from states like Florida, California, Texas, and Georgia, giving them a national footprint that has allowed them to compete with some of the top programs across the country.

3. Elite Player Development

One of the main reasons Ohio State has been able to continue to secure top recruits is their reputation for player development. The Buckeyes are known for taking players to the next level, getting them ready for the NFL, and preparing them for long careers at the next level. This success in player development has helped Ohio State attract high-profile recruits who want to compete at the highest level and make it to the NFL.

4. Success on the Field

Ohio State’s consistent success on the field has been another critical factor in their recruiting. Year in and year out, the Buckeyes are competitive for Big Ten Championships, and their regular appearance in the College Football Playoff has made them a desirable destination for recruits looking to play on a national stage.

Despite all of these factors, however, Ohio State now finds itself facing a new wave of competition that threatens to disrupt its dominance in recruiting.

The Emerging Rival: A New Threat to Ohio State’s Recruiting Dominance

In recent years, a new wave of college football programs has begun to emerge as legitimate threats to Ohio State in the recruiting battle. This rivalry isn’t just limited to a specific program, but rather to a collection of schools that are making a concerted effort to challenge Ohio State’s grip on the top talent. These schools have seen significant investment, infrastructure growth, and a push to build championship-level programs, and they’re leveraging every advantage to recruit elite prospects.

1. Tennessee Volunteers

Perhaps the most formidable new rival to Ohio State in recent recruiting cycles has been Tennessee, particularly for the 2026 class. Under head coach Josh Heupel, Tennessee has shown remarkable progress, going from a team struggling to stay relevant in the SEC to one that is now a legitimate contender for the College Football Playoff. Heupel has built a dynamic offense and has brought an energy to Knoxville that has rekindled Tennessee’s national prominence.

Tennessee’s resurgence has not only been felt on the field, but in recruiting as well. The Volunteers have been able to secure commitments from top-tier prospects across the country, particularly in areas like Florida, Georgia, and Ohio. With the new NIL era in full swing, Tennessee has been aggressive in securing deals for players, making them a very appealing option for recruits who are looking to maximize their earning potential while playing in a competitive program.

In the 2026 class, Tennessee has already secured several key commitments and is expected to battle Ohio State for top players. Their newfound success has put them on the map as a legitimate threat to Ohio State in both the SEC and nationally. The next few years will be crucial in determining if Tennessee can sustain this momentum and continue to challenge Ohio State for top recruits.

2. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame has always been a contender in recruiting, but under the leadership of Marcus Freeman, the Fighting Irish have taken a more aggressive approach to recruiting, positioning themselves as an elite option for top recruits. Freeman, a former Ohio State linebacker, knows how to connect with players and has a deep understanding of what it takes to win at the highest level.

The Fighting Irish have been particularly successful in attracting elite talent from the Midwest, which directly impacts Ohio State’s ability to land in-state recruits. Notre Dame’s rich history, academic reputation, and strong football tradition make it an appealing destination for high-profile players. Furthermore, Freeman’s ability to recruit nationally, particularly in areas like Texas and California, has only further bolstered their standing.

For the 2026 class, Notre Dame is targeting some of the top players who are also being courted by Ohio State, and their ability to sell the combination of academics and football success has made them a formidable foe in the recruiting battle. If Freeman can continue to bring in top-tier talent, Notre Dame could become a legitimate rival to Ohio State not only in the Big Ten but also on the national stage.

3. USC Trojans

The USC Trojans, under head coach Lincoln Riley, have become one of the most dangerous teams in the recruiting world. Riley, who was the architect of one of college football’s most potent offenses at Oklahoma, has brought that same offensive prowess to USC, and the Trojans are reaping the benefits on the recruiting trail. USC has historically been a powerhouse on the West Coast, but Riley’s success has pushed them back into the national conversation, where they have begun to compete with the likes of Ohio State for top recruits.

In the 2026 class, USC is already making significant strides, especially in recruiting high-profile quarterbacks and skill players. California’s talent pool is vast, and USC has always had an advantage in recruiting its home state. However, with Riley’s offensive system gaining national attention, USC has been able to expand its reach, recruiting in other states, including Ohio, and attracting top players from all over the country.

USC’s resurgence as a recruiting powerhouse is something that Ohio State must contend with, especially when it comes to highly coveted positions like quarterback and wide receiver. If USC can continue to build momentum under Riley, they could become a serious rival to Ohio State in the coming years.

4. Georgia Bulldogs

While Georgia has been a dominant force in college football for some time now, under head coach Kirby Smart, they have been particularly aggressive in recruiting. With two national championships in the last few years, Georgia has solidified itself as one of the most talented and dangerous teams in the country. Their success on the field and their aggressive recruiting tactics have made them a top competitor for Ohio State, particularly in regions like Ohio, Florida, and Texas.

Georgia’s consistent success in securing top-tier talent, especially on the defensive side of the ball, has put them in direct competition with Ohio State. For the 2026 class, Georgia is expected to continue its dominance, and with the strength of the SEC, the Bulldogs will be a consistent threat to Ohio State for top recruits.

How Ohio State Is Responding

In response to the increasing competition, Ohio State has ramped up its recruiting efforts. The Buckeyes have bolstered their coaching staff, improved their facilities, and have been aggressive in NIL negotiations to ensure that they remain a top destination for recruits. Coach Ryan Day and his staff have worked tirelessly to maintain Ohio State’s position as a top-tier program, and the team’s ability to continually adapt to changing recruiting landscapes is one of the reasons they remain a dominant force.

However, with the rise of these new rivals, the Buckeyes must remain vigilant and continue to prioritize key areas like player development, recruiting relationships, and offensive and defensive systems that appeal to top talent. Ohio State will need to balance their rich tradition with new approaches to stay ahead of these emerging threats.