With the official signing of Legend Bey this past Monday, Ohio State finally added their last member of the 2026 class, totaling 28 players overall.
A top five class nationally, the Buckeyes went on a closing stretch that is second to none and it’s certainly celebrated. From flipping players left and right to keeping Chris Henry Jr. in the fold even with the departure of Brian Hartline, the class is a tremendous success and should provide the Buckeyes with key players in the coming years.
With top
talent at multiple positions throughout the entire class, there’s plenty of players worth speaking about, but in this case Khary Wilder is the focus of the attention. A signee Ohio State couldn’t ask more from, Wilder provides the Buckeyes with a skillset that could contribute early and often for the program. His drama-free recruitment makes him so important to the 2026 cycle.
Wilder adds major depth to the trenches
It’s hard to find a real complaint when it comes to Ohio State recruiting. With how successful this program has been over the last several years on the trail, the wins and on-field results are a direct result.
That said, if there was one small area in need of improvement, it’s along the defensive line. A key position of need in every cycle, Ohio State and Larry Johnson the past few classes didn’t exactly finish the way they planned. Whether it be from zeroing in on too few number of recruits and losing out in the end or strictly from NIL battles lost, Ohio State needed a change in 2026.
Now at seven signees this time around, the Buckeyes look to have fixed that issue and in a major way. Talent along with depth, these are the numbers you want to see in a class, and it starts with Wilder.
Wilder leads the way as the highest-ranked recruit up front. The 6-foot-4, 260 pound athlete is the No. 42 player nationally and second best at his position per the 247Sports Composite, and checks all of the boxes.
Seeing his stock increase throughout his senior campaign, Ohio State offering in early May led to his same month commitment, and not once did he waver in his pledge. The type of recruitment a coaching staff dreams of, Wilder’s consistency and loyalty goes hand-in-hand with his abilities off the edge.
Nearly 30 offers to his name from the likes of Alabama, Georgia, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Texas A&M, USC, Washington, and several more the programs fit the mold in comparison. Fortunately for Ohio State, they won out over everyone else, and the Buckeyes now get to benefit from his play.
The film speaks for itself
From the jump, it’s Wilder’s get-off that impresses right away. At 260 pounds, Wilder moves like he weighs 50 pounds less. The ability to use simply his speed as a pass rusher is a benefit to his game you can’t teach, but adding in the pass rush moves and hand combat he will learn on top of what he already has is what can really set him apart once he gets to Columbus.
Watching his film, you can see in the very first clip the speed off the edge any position coach covets. Additionally, his physicality and intelligence catches my attention. When looking at his game, he’s the kind of player on film that speaks to fundamentals and being sound in his scheme.
Reading his keys well, Wilder sets himself up for success in both the pass and run game thanks to his instincts. Not running up field in the run game is one example, but it’s squeezing down too that proves he’s gets it and does his job on each play.
In the pass game, I revert back to the get-off speed and his moves that allow him to pursue the quarterback. Not to be overlooked, when a quarterback is able to get out of the pocket, Wilder’s speed allows him to continue his pursuit.
What may be Wilder’s best attribute is his versatility. Shown in his senior highlights, he can also line up inside and rush the passer from an interior look as well. As mentioned, at 260 pounds he has the frame to line up both outside or inside, and his ability is seen pretty clearly.
A cog stuffing the run game, there’s not many offensive linemen he doesn’t beat. While it certainly gets tougher at the next level, you can bet he’s only going to continue to improve his skillset.
A major win for the Buckeyes
Simply put, Ohio State struck gold here. A recruiting win in California, the Buckeyes planting flags here allows them to stay relevant in a region that continues to produce top national talent as well as anywhere else. From his recruitment being as smooth as possible to all of the examples he shows on the field, Wilder landing in Columbus is exactly what you want from a player that will look to be a real contender for early playing time.
Often not talked about enough likely because of the lack of drama in his recruitment, Khary Wilder deserves his flowers. In this instance, he’s a player you can’t talk about enough.
