On December 3, 2025, the Ohio State Buckeyes experienced a mix of triumph and disappointment on National Early Signing Day. While the program secured over 20 commitments for their 2026 recruiting class, they also faced the loss of two notable de-commits shortly after the departure of their offensive coordinator, Brian Hartline, who accepted a head coaching position at the University of South Florida.
The first significant de-commitment came from four-star wide receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, ranked as the No. 21 wide receiver in the 2026 class by 247Sports. Dixon-Wyatt has decided to join the University of Southern California (USC) instead. Following him, four-star athlete Legend Bey also flipped his commitment back to the Tennessee Volunteers, the program he initially committed to before joining Ohio State on November 10, 2025.
Bey, standing at 5-foot-10 and known for his speed, is ranked as the No. 6 athlete in the class. His return to the Volunteers marks a significant setback for Ohio State’s offensive strategy moving forward.
Recruiting Landscape Shifts
Despite these losses, Ohio State remains hopeful about its recruiting efforts. Two additional high-profile recruits, five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. and No. 22-ranked wide receiver Jerquaden Guilford, have yet to make their commitments official. Henry Jr., regarded as the No. 10 prospect overall and the top wide receiver for the class of 2026, expressed that the coaching changes have complicated his decision-making.
“I have not signed yet,” Henry Jr. stated. “Still trying to weigh my options due to coaching changes. I just want to make the right decision for my future.” His comments reflect the uncertainty faced by recruits in the wake of Hartline’s departure.
In a show of solidarity, current Buckeye standout Jeremiah Smith reached out to Henry Jr. with a message: “We Need You!!!” As the Ohio State program navigates these transitions, retaining top talent remains a priority.
Future Prospects and Upcoming Challenges
Over the next few days, Ohio State is expected to intensify its recruitment efforts, particularly in light of the recent de-commits. The program’s current class ranks fifth nationally, with a total of 25 high school athletes committing to Ohio State. While the impact of Hartline’s exit on future recruiting strategies, particularly for wide receivers, remains to be seen, the Buckeyes are celebrating their overall success for the 2026 class.
Looking ahead, Ohio State will return to the field for a matchup against the No. 2 ranked Indiana Hoosiers, who remain undefeated in the 2025 season. This highly anticipated game will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, with kickoff set for 20:00. As the Buckeyes prepare for this challenge, the focus remains on both the immediate game and the long-term implications of their recruiting strategies.
