You’ve seen the headlines by now. Ohio State signing day used to be a foregone conclusion—a top-three class, five-star players falling out of the sky, and Ryan Day grinning next to a wall of scarlet and gray. But this time? Things feel different. The 2026 cycle hasn't been the smooth sailing Buckeye fans are used to.
Honestly, the vibe in Columbus is a mix of relief and "what just happened?"
Early Signing Day in December was a rollercoaster. We saw Brian Hartline leave for the USF head coaching job right as the ink was drying on letters of intent. We saw late flips that felt like a gut punch. Yet, if you look at the roster today, the sky isn't falling. It's just... changing.
🔗 Read more: Thursday Night Football Scores: What Really Happened This Week
The Chris Henry Jr. Drama and the Hartline Effect
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Chris Henry Jr. is a generational talent. He’s 6-foot-5, 205 pounds, and plays like a more physical version of Jeremiah Smith. For months, people whispered he might bolt. Oregon was sniffing around. USC made a massive push.
Then came December 3.
The news that Brian Hartline was taking the South Florida job hit like a ton of bricks. It threw everything into chaos. For 48 hours, Buckeye Nation held its breath. If Henry Jr. flipped, the class would have cratered. But he stayed. He officially signed on that Friday, effectively saving the 2026 class from a narrative disaster.
He wasn't the only one who made things interesting. Jerquaden Guilford, the four-star standout from Fort Wayne, stuck to his guns too. Between Henry and Guilford, the wide receiver room is still "Zone 6," even without Hartline's daily presence.
Why the Rankings Don't Tell the Whole Story
If you look at the 247Sports or On3 rankings, you might notice something weird. Ohio State is sitting in a spot they haven't occupied since 2019—roughly 7th or 8th nationally. For a program that lives in the top three, that feels like a failure.
It isn't.
Ryan Day is leaning into a new reality: the roster limit changes. The Buckeyes signed 27 players this cycle. That’s a massive haul compared to the 18-22 player classes of the past. They are prioritizing depth and specific "fit" over just collecting stars for the sake of a recruiting trophy.
The In-State Wall is Back
One thing Ohio State got right this year was locking down the borders. They signed the best of Ohio.
- Cincere Johnson (LB, Cleveland Glenville): This kid is a monster. 161 tackles and 12 sacks as a senior. He’s the type of linebacker Jim Knowles dreams about.
- Sam Greer (OT, Akron Hoban): At 6-foot-7.5 and 315 pounds, he’s a mountain. Keeping him away from the SEC was a massive win for O-line coach Tyler Bowen.
- Maxwell Riley (IOL, Avon Lake): A foundational piece for the trenches.
The Transfer Portal is the New "Second Signing Day"
We used to wait for February to see the final additions. Now, we wait for the portal. Just yesterday, January 12, the Buckeyes landed a massive duo from Alabama: James Smith and Qua Russaw.
Think about that.
While everyone was worried about high school rankings, Day went out and snagged two former five-star defenders from the Crimson Tide. Russaw is a freakish edge rusher who can replace the production lost to the NFL. Smith is the #1 ranked defensive lineman in the portal.
They also grabbed Justyn Martin, the former UCLA and Maryland quarterback. With Tavien St. Clair and Luke Fahey (the 2026 signee from Mission Viejo) in the room, the Buckeyes needed an "adult" in the room—someone with experience who doesn't mind being the bridge. Martin is exactly that.
What Most People Are Missing
People keep talking about the "lower" ranking, but they ignore the defensive line haul. Khary Wilder out of California is a legitimate stud. He’s 6-foot-4, 260 pounds, and chose OSU over Alabama and Georgia. Pair him with guys like Emmanuel Ruffin and the flip of Darryus McKinley from LSU, and you have a front four that will terrorize the Big Ten in 2027.
The class isn't "weak." It's defensive-heavy.
After years of being criticized for having a "soft" defense, Ryan Day has clearly pivoted. He’s signing hitters. Jay Timmons, a four-star corner who flipped from Florida State, is a perfect example. He’s not the biggest guy on the field, but he hits like a truck.
The Chip Kelly Vacuum
We have to be honest: Chip Kelly’s departure for the Raiders NFL job early in 2025 did hurt the 2026 quarterback recruiting initially. It’s why the Buckeyes missed out on guys like Brady Smigiel.
However, landing Luke Fahey was a solid "save." Fahey isn't the five-star "savior" type, but he’s a winner from a powerhouse program (Mission Viejo). He’s accurate. He’s mobile. Most importantly, he actually wants to be at Ohio State. In the NIL era, that loyalty matters more than a fifth star next to a name.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're trying to keep track of where this roster stands heading into spring ball, here is what you need to do:
- Watch the Spring Game for Cincere Johnson: He is an early enrollee and will likely be the breakout star of the spring. His athleticism is different.
- Monitor the Kicker Situation: The Buckeyes are still hunting for a transfer portal kicker after some late-season struggles. This is a "keep your eyes peeled" situation for the next 48 hours.
- Don't panic about the WR Coach: While Hartline is gone, the hire of Cortez Hankton from LSU is a home run. He’s coached NFL talent and is already closing the gap with the few remaining unsigned 2026 targets.
- Check the Final Rankings in February: While the "Early Period" is over, there are still two or three spots left. Watch for a potential flip from a SEC school as signing day approaches its final "regular" window.
The 2026 Ohio State signing day wasn't the blowout victory we expected, but it might be the most "complete" class Ryan Day has ever put together. It’s a group built for the trenches and the Big Ten grind, not just for the highlight reels.