Coming off its nationwide championship run, Ohio State has made its first massive splash on the recruiting path.
5-star security Blaine Bradford, a Baton Rouge, La., native, dedicated to the Buckeyes on Monday morning. Bradford is the highest security within the Class of 2026 and the eighth dedication for the Buckeyes.
Bradford, ranked No. 23 general, is OSU’s second five-star recruit, becoming a member of extensive receiver Chris Henry (No. 9 general).
It is a massive transfer for the Buckeyes, who went into SEC nation — in LSU’s yard — and received a battle for a five-star security.
Ohio State has had success within the South lately, signing five-star defensive lineman Eddrick Houston from Georgia and five-star receiver Jeremiah Smith from Florida within the 2024 class and five-star nook Devin Sanchez from Texas within the 2025 class.
However that is totally different.
Bradford attends Catholic Excessive Faculty, which is about 4 miles from Tiger Stadium.
Ohio State should maintain onto him till signing day, however that is fairly the assertion. And it continues the new streak for safeties coach Matt Guerrieri.
Guerrieri didn’t have a serious hand in luring Caleb Downs from Alabama to Ohio State, however he was concerned within the recruitment. Since that signing, although, Guerrieri has added four-star security Faheem Delane within the 2025 class, and he did nice work teaching Downs and Lathan Ransom final yr.
Head coach Ryan Day praised Guerrieri following the staff’s championship run for being one of many vivid younger minds within the sport.
Guerrieri is ready the place he has so much to promote on the recruiting path. Downs emerged as among the best gamers at any place after his switch to Ohio State. That’s one thing that may enchantment to recruits.
(Picture: Adam Cairns/ Imagn Photographs by way of USA Right this moment)
