Ohio State makes the cut for a top 2026 receiver target, set to host 2025 flip target at running back

The Buckeyes make the cut for 2026 receiver Devin Carter.

Ohio State is hoping to see its 2026 class start to grow sooner rather than later. Just one commit locked in thanks to wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., this staff knows they will eventually see their efforts pay off. It does feel like a bit of a slower start commit wise, though the Buckeyes do have the top player in the country per the 247Sports Composite already locked in.

Brian Hartline having his typical early and often success is no surprise, and on Thursday the Buckeyes saw some positive news for another elite receiver target when five-star talent Devin Carter trimmed his top schools list down to just 12 remaining finalists.

A 6-foot, 165 pound athlete from Douglasville, Georgia, Carter currently holds over 30 offers to his name from every major program out there, so narrowing it down to just 11 is a sign of his desire to start getting closer to a final decision. Making the cut, Ohio State is joined by Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Louisville, LSU, Miami, Ole Miss, Texas, and Texas A&M.

The No. 21 player nationally and third best receiver in the 2026 class per the 247Sports Composite, Ohio State staying in the mix here is a great sign as they continue to appeal to top receivers around the country. Of course, seeing Jeremiah Smith having an incredible impact as a true freshman has to appeal to top players who believe they too can see the field early.

From here, getting Carter back to Columbus will be the top priority if Ohio State really wants to have a chance at landing his future commitment. For now, they have made the list and can continue pitching why they’re the best destination at developing his position for the next level.

Can the Buckeyes pull an upset this late in the game?

It’s no secret that Ohio State and running back’s coach Carlos Locklyn are trying hard to flip current Alabama commit, Anthony Rogers. An Alabama native and pledge since June of 2023, Rogers is not typically a player you’d see any school having a chance at flipping away from the Crimson Tide, but the attention he’s shown the Buckeyes as of late isn’t something to totally dismiss either.

The No. 141 player nationally and eighth best at his position per the 247Sports Composite the 2025 class, Ohio State is having him on campus this weekend for his official visit. A chance to really show him all they are about, it doesn’t hurt either to see Alabama also sending out another 2025 running back offer this week. Maybe it means something maybe it doesn’t, but you have to believe Locklyn and the rest of the staff will work hard to make this trip to Columbus a memorable one.

The Buckeyes do already have two running backs in the 2025 class thanks to Bo Jackson and Isaiah West, but the plan all along was to take three, and Rogers would be a take immediately if he wanted in. Not a loss if he sticks with his commitment, but this staff will still try and it begins on Saturday with a great game day visit and beyond.

Quick Hits

• Per Mick Walker of Letterman Row, Ohio State will also play host this weekend to four-star tight-end, Corbyn Fordham. A 6-foot-3, 215 pound Florida native, Fordham is currently the No. 306 player nationally and 16th best at his position per the 247Sports Composite for the 2026 class.

Holding an Ohio State offer to his name already, this visit is a chance for Keenan Bailey to get more familiar with his target as he looks to land his first for the upcoming cycle.