Ohio State being back at home this weekend against Minnesota is the next challenge on the schedule for the Buckeyes. After hearing Ryan Day, his staff, and players talking this week, this group really does have an edge to them.
The top priority is improving each week, and that edge doesn’t look to be going away any time soon. A night game this Saturday, the Buckeyes will look to stay atop of the rankings with another win over a Big Ten foe, but off the field, this being a home game presents the chance
to host recruits on campus.
Time winding down quickly on the 2026 cycle, Ohio State has some areas they’d still like to address. Looking ahead, 2027 will only continue being a major priority as well. Rarely a time where this coaching staff isn’t recruiting left and right, this week certainly is no different.
Shake-up in Ohio State’s class at tight end
Tight ends coach Keenan Bailey has Ohio State in great position currently. Their roster providing more depth at the spot than arguably ever before, the Buckeyes are using their tight ends this season more than ever as well.
Whether it be in the pass game or in personnel groupings, the players are giving Ohio State a diversity they’ve long desired, and now it can pay off in recruiting.
In the current 2026 class, the Buckeyes have just one commit at the position thanks to Florida native, Corbyn Fordham, but majority of the headlines surrounding his status look to be changing — and soon. Predicted to flip to Florida State by Steve Wiltfong of On3, it looks to be more of a matter of when and not if when it comes to the Buckeyes losing their three-star pledge who has been committed for nearly a full year.
The No. 628 player nationally and 33rd best tight-end per the 247Sports Composite, losing Fordham’s commitment would be a blow to the class, but if Ohio State is able to replace his spot with another player then obviously that takes some sting away.
Looking at names the Buckeyes would love to have, there’s none higher on the list than current Alabama commit, Mack Sutter.
In the running once before, Ohio State has long been on Sutter’s radar, and they’d love nothing more than to pull off the late flip for the No. 90 player nationally and sixth best tight end per the 247Sports Composite. Make no mistake about it. Ohio State and Keenan Bailey are very much going all in on trying to sway Sutter away from his current commitment, and they’ll continue to do so until pen hits paper.
It won’t be an easy feat to say the least, but on the verge of likely losing their tight end commit in the 2026 class, Ohio State has their sights on another potential candidate, and while Alabama holds the verbal right now, the Buckeyes won’t give up easily.
Buckeyes set to host 2027 offensive tackle this weekend for Minnesota game
Offensive line coach Tyler Bowen deserves some major dues for how his unit is both playing and developing each week. Impressing with their physicality and their protection up front, it’s in large part why the Buckeyes are having success early on this season.
Not a finished product by any means though, Day and company has stated there’s plenty of room for improvement. If this unit continues their trajectory, it could be another very exciting year when all is said and done. The trenches always the foundation for a successful team, that remains the case for Ohio State thus far.
Attracting players thanks to Bowen and his unit’s on-field results, this weekend the Buckeyes will host another top prospect at offensive tackle thanks to Texas native, Qua Ford. A 6-foot-5, 285 pound athlete, Ford is the No. 45 player nationally and seventh best at his position per the 247Sports Composite for the 2027 class.
Making an unofficial to Columbus for the weekend shows his interest considering the travel is on his own dime, but keeping in regular communication with the Ohio State staff, Ford’s game day visit likely won’t be his last.
Nearly 20 offers to his name right now, the Buckeyes look to be heavily in the mix and this weekend could only further cement that as the case if his time is well spent. Odds are, like most visits this will be a successful one as well.
