After a bit of a slow start by Ohio State’s standards to the 2026 recruiting class, the Buckeyes have been on a tear lately. Most impressively, they have been heating up on the trail by flipping players
away from other programs.
In just the past month, Ryan Day and his staff have managed to steal a trio of impressive recruits that had been committed elsewhere, including four-star corner Jay Timmons (Florida State), three-star corner Khmari Bing (Maryland) and three-star offensive lineman Mason Wilhelm (UNC).
The job is still not nearly finished, however, and this past weekend the Buckeyes once again got the spatula out to flip yet another key target.
This time it was four-star defensive lineman, Emanuel Ruffin. A four-star prospect out of Alabama, Ruffin is currently listed as the No. 19 DL and No. 123 player nationally per 247Sports. The 6-foot-4 defensive lineman had been committed to Colorado, but de-committed from the Buffaloes last weekend before joining Ohio State’s class on Sunday.
At one point in time it felt like Ruffin was going to commit to Ohio State in the first place. The Buckeyes had a ton of momentum in his recruitment following a visit on June 6, and seemed to have a leg up on LSU in what appeared to be a two-team race before Ruffin’s surprising decision to postpone his commitment, ultimately choosing Colorado on Sept. 23.
The Buckeyes never wavered in their pursuit of the talented defensive lineman, and so when Ruffin decided to pursue other opportunities with Buffaloes in the midst of a disastrous 3-7 season, Larry Johnson’s group was immediately front of mind. Missouri also made a push for Ruffin this time around, but ultimately Ohio State’s lasting relationship won out in the end.
“I want to be developed,” Ruffin told On3 earlier this month. “I know I can get developed at both schools (Ohio State and Missouri), but the relationship with the coaches is a big thing for me. When I say that, I mean when you get on the campus it’s bigger than just ball. That’s what really needs to stand out for me to go to the school.”
Playing as a 5-tech in high school, Ruffin projects as an interior lineman and potentially a nose tackle at the next level. After racking up 51 tackles as a junior, the Bessemer City product has posted 40 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and a fumble recovery as a senior.
Ruffin becomes the 24th member of Ohio State’s 2026 class, and the fifth defensive lineman in the fold. He is one of four interior lineman in the group, joining Damari Simeon, Cameron Brickle and Jamir Perez. Johnson and the Buckeyes would still like to add at least one more player on the outside, as Khary Wilder is currently the team’s only committed edge rusher.
Ohio State’s class is now up to No. 7 in the country, and it will look to continue to add on as Signing Day rapidly approaches.
Quick Hits
Ohio State is clearly not done with its pursuit of flips, as the Buckeyes have begun receiving predictions to snag four-star athlete Legend Bey from Tennessee. Bey, the No. 24 ATH and No. 361 prospect nationally, most recently visited Columbus for the game against Penn State, and has clearly come away impressed with what he saw after the team’s 38-14 win.
“Ohio State is in consideration,” Bey told On3. “They have an amazing plan for me and want me to play as a freshman. […] Ohio State is a huge factor in my recruitment. They have QB and wildcat packages for me and want to develop me! Not only does this visit have me considering them, but I love my relationships with the coaching staff.”
Bey is an incredibly productive player with blazing speed, reportedly running a 10.2 100-meter dash. The do-it-all quarterback has racked up more than 4,000 career rushing yards, more than 3,500 passing yards and over 100 total touchdowns at the high school level.
