Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class is heating up in a big way. The Buckeyes have made several major moves recently, flipping multiple high-profile recruits from other programs and solidifying their standing
among the nation’s elite.
The most notable of those moves in my opinion came when four-star defensive lineman Emmanuel Ruffin flipped his commitment from Colorado to Ohio State. The Buckeyes’ recruiting staff, led by Larry Johnson and Ryan Day, continues to prove that development and tradition matter just as much as NIL and flash.
Ruffin’s decision not only strengthens Ohio State’s defensive line class but also sends a clear message to recruits across the country. The Buckeyes remain a premier destination for top-tier talent.
Who is Emmanuel Ruffin?
Ruffin is a 6-foot-4, 295-pound defensive lineman from Bessemer City High School in Alabama. According to 247Sports, he ranks among the top 125 players nationally and is considered one of the top 20 defensive linemen in the 2026 class.
Ruffin originally committed to Colorado in September before reopening his recruitment and ultimately choosing Ohio State on Nov. 9, 2025. His offer list speaks for itself, Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Texas were all heavily involved, showing just how coveted he was on the recruiting trail.
Statistically, Ruffin has been a steady presence in the middle of Bessemer City’s defense. As a junior, he recorded 51 tackles and two tackles for loss. Through nine games as a senior, he’s already racked up 40 tackles, a sack, and another pair of TFLs.
While those numbers don’t jump off the page, his physical traits, motor, and versatility make him a player with significant upside once he arrives in Columbus.
What he brings to Ohio State
Ruffin brings a blend of size, strength, and athleticism that fits perfectly within Ohio State’s defensive scheme. At nearly 300 pounds, he already possesses the frame to contribute on the interior of the defensive line, and his quickness off the snap allows him to play multiple spots up front.
Recruiting analysts describe him as a violent finisher with a strong lower base who consistently collapses pockets and disrupts run plays. His blend of power and balance makes him tough to move, while his hand placement and ability to shed blocks suggest that his technique is more advanced than most high school linemen.
Beyond his physical tools, Ruffin’s mentality stood out to Ohio State’s coaching staff. He’s been open about wanting to be developed, not just recruited, and that’s exactly what Larry Johnson’s program is known for. In a defense that values interior pressure and gap control, Ruffin is the kind of lineman who can anchor the middle while freeing up edge rushers and linebackers to make plays.
His commitment also provides much-needed depth and future stability at defensive tackle — a position where Ohio State has been working to stockpile talent over the past few cycles.
Fit and projection
Ruffin’s immediate role at Ohio State will likely be as a rotational defensive tackle, giving him time to adjust to the college game and the physicality of Big Ten trenches. His frame and power should allow him to see the field early in specific packages, particularly against heavy run teams.
As he continues to develop under Ohio State’s strength and conditioning program, he projects as a future starting-caliber defensive tackle capable of anchoring the Buckeyes’ interior for multiple seasons.
Long term, Ruffin could become one of those players who makes a name for himself in the trenches, the type who doesn’t always fill the stat sheet but makes the defense better around him. His combination of athleticism and physicality gives Ohio State versatility in its defensive fronts, allowing him to play in both four-down and hybrid looks.
With his mindset and work ethic, Ruffin has the potential to be another Larry Johnson success story.
Impact on the 2026 class
Ruffin’s flip to Ohio State represents more than just another commitment, it’s a momentum-builder. The Buckeyes’ 2026 class already had strong defensive line pieces in place, and adding Ruffin solidifies it as one of the best groups in the country.
His decision also sends a clear message to other top recruits that Ohio State continues to develop NFL-ready defensive linemen.
Moreover, Ruffin’s addition creates internal competition, a key driver of Ohio State’s success over the years. With several highly rated linemen now committed, the Buckeyes’ future defensive front looks as deep and talented as any in college football.
It’s another example of how Ohio State doesn’t just recruit stars, it recruits the right fits. Ruffin is a player who embodies that approach. Physical, coachable, and driven to maximize his potential.
Final thoughts
The addition of Emmanuel Ruffin is another major win for Ryan Day and his staff, both on the field and on the recruiting trail. Ruffin fits the mold of what Ohio State looks for in a defensive lineman, size, power, and a relentless motor and his upside is considerable.
He gives the Buckeyes another foundational piece up front and reinforces the idea that elite defensive talent continues to flow to Columbus. With Ruffin now in the fold, Ohio State’s 2026 class looks even more complete, and the Buckeyes’ defensive line pipeline shows no signs of slowing down.
