Ohio State Stunned by In-State Star’s Shocking Decision—But There’s No Need to Panic
The recruiting rollercoaster never stops, and for Ohio State Buckeyes fans, the past two days have been a wild ride. Monday brought a reason to celebrate, as the Buckeyes secured a massive commit ofment from four-star offensive lineman Maxwell Riley out of Avon Lake, Ohio. But just as they were riding high, Tuesday delivered a gut punch—four-star safety Kaden Gebhardt (Lewis Center, Ohio) decided to leave home and take his talents to the Clemson Tigers.
For months, Gebhardt had been one of Ohio State’s top defensive targets for the 2026 class. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound hard-hitting safety from Olentangy High School had the Buckeyes firmly in his top four alongside Notre Dame, Penn State, and Clemson. Many believed his strong ties to the state would be enough to keep him home in Columbus, but in a decision that stunned Buckeye Nation, Gebhardt opted for Death Valley instead.
Why Did Gebhardt Choose Clemson Over Ohio State?
Ohio State has long been known as DBU (Defensive Back University), producing elite safeties and cornerbacks for the NFL. So why did Gebhardt, a hometown product, decide to pack his bags for South Carolina?
A major factor in his decision likely stems from Clemson’s strong defensive tradition and aggressive recruitment efforts. Under head coach Dabo Swinney and defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin, the Tigers have built a reputation for developing elite defensive backs. It’s clear that Clemson’s coaching staff made Gebhardt feel like a priority, selling him on the idea of being the next great playmaker in their secondary.
Another key component? Depth charts matter. While Ohio State is stacked with talent in the secondary, Clemson’s safety group offers a clearer path to early playing time. With that in mind, Gebhardt may have seen a better opportunity to make an immediate impact in the Tigers’ system rather than waiting his turn in Columbus.
Should Buckeye Fans Be Concerned? Not So Fast.
Losing an in-state four-star recruit always stings—there’s no sugarcoating it. But here’s the reality: Ohio State is still in an incredible position to land elite safeties in the 2026 cycle.
The biggest name on the Buckeyes’ radar? Bralan Womack (Brandon, Miss.), the No. 1 safety in the nation according to On3, 247Sports, and Rivals. Ohio State is currently the overwhelming favorite to land Womack, with On3 giving them a 78.3% chance of securing his commitment. If that happens, Gebhardt’s departure will be nothing more than a footnote in this recruiting cycle.
Ohio State is also making a strong push for four-star safety Simeon Caldwell (Jacksonville, Fla.). The battle for Caldwell is tighter, with the Buckeyes holding a 27% edge over Notre Dame (20%), but it’s another strong possibility for their secondary.
And then there’s Jett Washington (Las Vegas, Nev.), the third-ranked safety in the nation by On3 and the No. 1 safety according to ESPN. While UCLA currently leads the race (22%), Ohio State is right on their heels with a 19% chance to land him.
The Bigger Picture: Buckeyes Still in Prime Position
Recruiting in college football is never about one player—it’s about building a complete class, and Ohio State is still very much on track to bring in an elite group of defensive backs for 2026. Sure, losing Gebhardt to Clemson stings, but when you have a shot at landing the top safety in the country (Womack), another top-10 safety (Caldwell), and a potential five-star stud (Washington), you’re still in a fantastic position.
So, should Buckeye fans be panicking? Absolutely not. Ohio State’s recruiting dominance isn’t slowing down anytime soon, and as long as Ryan Day and his staff continue to lock in top-tier talent, the Buckeyes will be just fine.
Ohio State might have lost this battle, but the war for the nation’s best secondary talent is far from over. And if history tells us anything, the Buckeyes will come out on top.
