With just 48 hours until the Ohio State Buckeyes kick off their 2026 football season against Ball State, the excitement is palpable. While the focus is primarily on the upcoming game, the coaching staff is also actively engaged in recruiting efforts, laying the groundwork for future rosters even as game day approaches.
This weekend marks the beginning of a series of recruiting visits, as Ohio State aims to showcase its program to some of the nation’s most promising high school athletes. These visits are crucial for the Buckeyes, allowing them to demonstrate what it’s like to play in front of a passionate crowd at The Horseshoe in Columbus.
Among the notable recruits is top linebacker target Tahj Gray, who has emerged as a priority for Ohio State. The New Jersey native, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 235 pounds, is currently ranked as the No. 24 player nationally and the top linebacker in the 2028 class according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. Gray has made it clear that Ohio State is the only school he plans to visit this fall, a significant indication of his interest in the Buckeyes.
James Laurinaitis, the Buckeyes’ linebacker coach, has been instrumental in attracting high-level talent since taking over the position. His experience as a former player at Ohio State and his ability to connect with recruits have made him a formidable presence on the recruiting trail. Gray’s commitment to visiting only Ohio State this season speaks volumes about Laurinaitis's effectiveness in building relationships with prospective players.
While Gray’s interest is strong, other programs, including Notre Dame, are expected to continue pursuing him. Nonetheless, the fact that he has chosen to prioritize Ohio State for his visits is a positive sign for the Buckeyes as they look to strengthen their linebacker corps for the future.
Another key recruit to watch is Braylon Clark, a five-star wide receiver from North Carolina. Clark is currently rated as the No. 12 player in the nation and the fourth-best receiver in the 2028 class. Ohio State has been in a strong position with Clark for some time, especially after securing a commitment from top quarterback prospect Jett Harrison.
Clark’s fall visit schedule includes multiple schools, but he has committed to visiting Ohio State twice, a testament to the growing connection between him and the program. He will also be visiting other powerhouse programs like LSU, Texas A&M, Alabama, Miami, and Oregon, but the Buckeyes remain a top contender for his commitment.
As Ohio State prepares for its season opener, the recruiting landscape is heating up, with high-profile athletes like Gray and Clark showing interest in the program. With Laurinaitis at the helm of the linebacker unit and Cortez Hankton leading the charge for wide receivers, the Buckeyes are well-positioned to attract top talent for the 2028 class.
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