Ohio State 2026 Wide Receiver Target Brody Keefe Places the Buckeyes in His Top Three and Will Visit OSU for Its Spring Game in April

North Carolina prospect Brody Keefe told Eleven Warriors he’ll attend Ohio State’s spring game on April 13, which will be his third visit to Columbus.

“I think just getting back to see the coaches again,” Keefe said of what he’s looking forward to the most on his trip. “And being back up there and getting that feeling again since it’s been a little bit.”

The trip to Columbus will be Keefe’s first time at Ohio State since he attended the Buckeyes’ victory over Penn State in October, an experience he won’t forget any time soon.

“Obviously, that was a crazy atmosphere,” Keefe said of his last visit. “It was just tremendous and I think everything about it was really good, especially the fans. Atmosphere is one of the biggest things for me.” 

The day after the game, Keefe walked around Ohio State’s facilities and ran into Brian Hartline, who had an interesting player comparison for the North Carolina product.

“He said I reminded him of himself as a player,” Keefe said. “Just as far as athleticism. Every trait of being a big receiver, I have. That reminded him of himself at his age.” 

Grateful to @OhioStateFB for hosting me this weekend. Great team win for @brianhartline & some of the best WRs in the nation. Thank you to @parkerwereb8 @RyanMayhew_ @etwill21 @e_dunston for a great wkend-Cant wait to be back! @myersparkfball @OhioStAthletics @ryandaytime pic.twitter.com/oPjVkAndph

— Brody Keefe (@BrodyHKeefe) October 24, 2023

Keefe said he’s talked with Hartline several times over the past few months and has developed a strong bond with Ohio State’s co-offensive coordinator.

“We’ll always talk about when I’m able to get up to OSU next,” Keefe said. “We’ll talk about our schedules and such and talk about times I can come get up to OSU.” 

Keefe impressed Hartline at a recruiting camp at Ohio State last summer, leading to him receiving an offer from the Buckeyes. Though he’s always had confidence in his ability as a wideout, landing an offer from Ohio State came as a shock to Keefe after his workout.

“Honestly I went there just for fun, I had no idea I was going to get an offer,” Keefe said. “So it means everything to me to get an offer from Ohio State, especially being ‘Wide Receiver U’ and everything. I think I sat in coach Day’s office for a couple minutes (after getting the offer) and was just like ‘Wow.’ I was amazed.” 

In Keefe’s sophomore season, he recorded 41 catches for 599 yards and 11 touchdowns at Myers Park High School (Charlotte, North Carolina). The 6-foot-3, 185-pound Keefe said he believes he’s “definitely” an outside wide receiver at the next level, though he’s capable of lining up in the slot when the formation calls for it. 

“I’d say high-pointing the ball for sure is definitely my biggest strength,” Keefe said. 

Keefe said Ohio State and Tennessee are schools at the top of his list at the moment. He plans on making a decision sometime after the conclusion of his junior season. 

“I’d say they’re in the top three for sure,” Keefe said of Ohio State. “You know what you’re going to get as far as coaching goes. You know you’re going to be with some of the best receivers in college and get some of the best coaching. And obviously you’re going to win. And development, I know I’m going to get that at Ohio State. I also have a great relationship with coach Hartline. Those are big things for me and they do a great job at Ohio State.” 

In addition to Hartline, Keefe said he’s intrigued by the hiring of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and looks forward to getting to know him better in the coming months. 

“I’ve heard his name plenty of times,” Keefe said of Kelly. “Honestly I’m looking forward to seeing how he does with Ohio State. I’m sure he’ll be pretty successful over there. So I’m just waiting to see how he fits in.”