This was one of the more active early signing periods for the Ohio State football program in recent memory. The decision by Brian Hartline to accept the USF head coaching job on Early Signing Day was terrible timing for the Buckeyes, as it threw things into chaos.
It kept Ohio State's best recruit from deciding to sign with the Ohio State Buckeyes until Friday afternoon, especially with Chris Henry Jr. Still, they were able to keep him, and that's all that matters. Now, most of the recruiting class has signed, although they might add one or two guys in February.
Ryan Day did the best he could late in the cycle to make this a formidable class. Yet, it's still one of the lower-rated classes he's signed since he became head coach of the Buckeyes. What should the overall grade be of this class, knowing that it's still one of the best classes in the country?
Ohio State football recruiting class grade: B+
Ohio State's 2026 recruiting class is now filled with 27 recruits. Class sizes are going to start to increase because of the new roster rules. It makes sense for them to take at least 25 kids every single class, plus adding more from the transfer portal in January.
Looking at this overall class, there are strengths at the receiver position and the defensive line. Adding a player like Khary Wilder to the trenches will be good for the Buckeyes moving forward. He gives the Buckeyes someone who can push the pocket from the inside.
Henry Jr. is great, but Jerquaden Guilford will be a solid receiver for Ohio State in the next few years, as well. Both of them should be impact players in a couple of years when Smith leaves for the NFL. Henry Jr. gives them a tall target to throw the ball to deep, which is something they will need once Smith is gone.
Fans should be slightly disappointed, though. Day hasn't had a class ranked this low since the 2019 class, which was ranked seventh in the country. It's clear that Ohio State doesn't dominate on the recruiting trail as it once did.