The Ohio State Buckeyes experienced a mix of triumph and disappointment on National Signing Day, held on December 3, 2023. While the program secured over 20 commitments for the 2026 recruiting class, they faced the loss of two high-profile de-commits shortly after the departure of offensive coordinator Brian Hartline. Hartline accepted a head coaching position at the University of South Florida, prompting uncertainty among current recruits.
Among the notable de-commits was four-star wide receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, who was regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2026 class. Ranked as the No. 21 wide receiver according to the 247Sports composite rankings, Dixon-Wyatt announced he would be joining the University of Southern California. This move marks a significant setback for Ohio State, as they aimed to bolster their offensive lineup.
In addition to Dixon-Wyatt, four-star athlete Legend Bey also flipped his commitment back to the Tennessee Volunteers, a program he had initially committed to before joining the Buckeyes on November 10. Bey, standing at 5-foot-10, is recognized as the No. 6 athlete in the 2026 class, further intensifying Ohio State’s challenges in maintaining a strong offensive roster.
Despite these setbacks, the Buckeyes still have two other previous commitments yet to finalize their decisions. Five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., currently ranked as the No. 10 prospect and the top receiver in the 2026 class, is reconsidering his options. Alongside him is Jerquaden Guilford, the No. 22 wide receiver in the country. Henry Jr. expressed his concerns regarding the coaching changes, stating, “I have not signed yet. Still trying to weigh my options due to coaching changes; I just want to make the right decision for my future.”
Current Buckeye standout Jeremiah Smith urged Henry Jr. to stay, saying, “We Need You!!!” The uncertainty surrounding Henry Jr.’s commitment raises questions about the program’s ability to retain top talent following Hartline’s departure. As the Buckeyes navigate this transitional phase, they are expected to actively recruit other unsigned prospects to mitigate the impact of recent de-commits.
Despite the challenges, Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class remains strong, currently ranked fifth nationally with 25 high schoolers signing with the program. The program hopes to stabilize its recruiting efforts in light of Hartline’s exit while preparing for an upcoming matchup.
This weekend, the Buckeyes will return to action against the undefeated Indiana Hoosiers, ranked second nationally. The highly anticipated game will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, with kickoff scheduled for 20:00. As the Buckeyes aim to maintain momentum in their season, the impact of recent recruiting developments will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.
