A top linebacker target in the 2026 class enjoyed his visit to Ohio Stadium last week.
Five-star prospect Tyler Atkinson told Eleven Warriors the trip was a big success for him, as he continues to feel more and more comfortable with the Buckeyes. It was his third trip to Columbus this year, his first since visiting campus in June.
“It was a great visit with a family atmosphere,” Atkinson told Eleven Warriors. “OSU played very well. The defense and the linebackers went nuts against Indiana.”
" - H... I - "
— Tyler Atkinson (@Tyler16Atkinson) November 23, 2024
Having a great time in The Shoe with @ReeseClarett13 @JLaurinaitis55 #AtkNup @OhioStateFB@Bucknuts247 @OhioStAthletics @Bill_Kurelic @SWiltfong_ @samspiegs @ChadSimmons_ @kirk_barton pic.twitter.com/hbLLpYE1lk
Atkinson met with linebackers coach James Laurinaitis on the visit and the pair had a productive conversation.
“After spending time and talking with the coaches today, I feel they really have a plan for me here,” Atkinson said. “Coach James and I have a really strong relationship and we talk all the time. He feels like family for real.”
Per 247Sports’ composite rankings, Atkinson is considered the No. 7 overall prospect and No. 1 linebacker in the 2026 class. He was the first player Ohio State offered in the 2026 cycle, earning the opportunity before he even started high school.
In nine games this season, Atkinson has recorded 99 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, nine sacks, 32 quarterback hurries, an interception, a pass deflection and a blocked field goal.
London Merritt commits to Colorado
A former Ohio State commit announced a new destination on Thursday as four-star defensive end London Merritt committed to Colorado on Thanksgiving. Merritt announced he would take his talents to “The Colorado University” during an interview with Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson on their podcast, Nightcap.
I did it. #WeComing #Walkbyfaith pic.twitter.com/FVIioxHa8v
— London Merritt (@merritt_london) November 29, 2024
The move is hardly surprising, as Merritt decommitted from OSU on Tuesday and had only really been connected with the Buffs. He had been committed to Ohio State since March. Merritt was the second defensive end to decommit from OSU this month, along with Zahir Mathis.
Corbyn Fordham becomes third commit in Ohio State's 2026 class
If you were busy partaking in Thanksgiving festivities, it's very possible you missed out on the news of the Buckeyes landing their third commitment of the 2026 cycle, four-star tight end Corbyn Fordham.
Tight ends coach Keenan Bailey has been on a roll landing coveted tight end prospects since his promotion a few seasons ago, landing multiple tight ends in each of the past two cycles. It's very possible he pulls off the same feat in the 2026 cycle.
Per 247Sports' composite rankings, Fordham is considered the No. 323 prospect and the No. 15 tight end in the 2026 class. He’s caught 22 passes for 226 yards and four touchdowns in his junior season at The Bolles School.
Around 60 recruits expected on campus
In case you missed it from earlier on Friday, Ohio State is expecting its biggest recruiting weekend of the year on Saturday, with around 60 recruits expected to be in attendance for The Game.
There’s marquee recruits expected in each of the 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028 classes, so general manager Mark Pantoni, Ryan Day and the rest of the OSU coaching staff will be working overtime this weekend after The Game.
