Despite a tough loss in the Big Ten Championship Game to No. 1 Indiana, the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes are still very much in the national championship mix. They’ve shown what they’re made of all season, taking down big names like Texas, Illinois, Penn State, and Michigan.
Looking ahead to the College Football Playoff on December 31, Ohio State will meet the winner of the first-round clash between No. 10 Miami and No. 7 Texas A&M. And just as they’re gearing up for that, the Buckeyes got a huge lift on the recruiting front—something that might just keep them at the top of college football.
Ohio State’s Impressive Regular Season
The Buckeyes have put together a really strong regular season, proving they can hang with the best. Wins over Texas, Illinois, Penn State, and Michigan show they’re not just beating up on weaker teams.
Even with that stumble against Indiana, Ohio State’s season has been impressive enough to keep them in the championship conversation. Not many teams can say the same.
Key Victories
Some of the big wins for Ohio State this year include:
- Texas Longhorns: An early win that set the tone for everything that followed.
- Illinois: A game where the Buckeyes flexed both their offense and defense.
- Penn State: A gritty victory against a tough opponent.
- Michigan: The rivalry game—always a big deal, and Ohio State showed plenty of fight and smarts.
Recruiting Triumph: Landing Four-Star ATH Legend Bey
In a big recruiting move, Ohio State landed four-star athlete Legend Bey. He was originally set to play for Tennessee, but after being released from his letter of intent, he chose the Buckeyes instead.
This is another example of Ohio State’s knack for drawing in top talent. They just don’t let up when it comes to recruiting.
Recruitment Strategy
The push for Bey was led by Carlos Locklyn, who really connected with him. Bey’s decision came down to a few things:
- Genuine Communication: Ohio State had been talking with Bey for years, building up trust.
- Winning Culture: He liked the vibe in Columbus—it fits what he wants for his career.
- Positive Visit Experience: His visit seemed to seal the deal, leaving a strong impression.
Ohio State’s 2026 Recruiting Class
With Bey on board, Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class now sits at sixth nationally, according to Rivals. This group is shaping up to be something special, with three five-star players and several others who are getting a lot of buzz.
Top Recruits
Here’s a quick look at some of the standouts in the 2026 class:
- Chris Henry Jr.: A five-star wide receiver with some serious talent.
- Khary Wilder: A defensive lineman who’s got both power and quickness.
- Jay Timmons: A cornerback who just knows how to make plays on defense.
- Legend Bey: The newest addition—a versatile athlete who could make an impact right away.
Looking Ahead: College Football Playoff
As the Buckeyes get ready for the playoff, adding Bey gives them even more options. On December 31, they’ll face whoever comes out on top between Miami and Texas A&M.
That game is going to be a big one, no doubt about it.
Potential Matchups
Ohio State could be up against:
- Miami: A fast team with a dangerous offense—never easy to handle.
- Texas A&M: A team that’s balanced and tough on both sides of the ball.
Conclusion
Ohio State’s resilience and knack for recruiting the right talent have really put them in a strong spot. Even after that rough loss in the Big Ten Championship Game, they’re still looking like favorites to repeat as national champs.
Adding Legend Bey to the roster just shows how serious they are about building a powerhouse team. That kind of commitment makes you wonder if anyone can really keep up.
If you’re curious about the details of Ohio State’s latest recruiting win or want to follow their College Football Playoff journey, check out Newsweek’s full article.
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