Buckeye Blitz: Ohio State Sends Shockwaves Through Recruiting with Big-Time Offers and Visits
Just when it seemed Ohio State’s coaching staff might catch their breath, the recruiting frenzy came roaring back to life. After a brief respite, the Buckeyes dove headfirst into one of the most pivotal months on the recruiting calendar, welcoming top-tier talent to Columbus as they gear up for spring practices.
With official visits looming in late May, the Buckeyes have kicked off an intense stretch of evaluations, campus visits, and high-stakes recruiting battles. Monday marked the beginning of this crucial period, and it did not disappoint. The Buckeyes extended offers to two electrifying 2026 prospects—running back Favour Akih and wide receiver Gordon Sellars—who left campus with their recruitment trajectories soaring. And that’s just the beginning. A major decision looms this weekend for four-star running back Jonathan Hatton Jr., while a high-profile quarterback target, Ryder Lyons, is preparing for a visit that could shake up the Buckeyes’ future plans under center.
Let’s dive into the details of Ohio State’s latest recruiting developments.
Favour Akih: The Running Back Ohio State Has Been Watching Closely
For those following Ohio State’s recruiting efforts, Favour Akih receiving an offer felt inevitable—it was only a matter of time before the Buckeyes officially put their stamp on his talent. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing in at a rock-solid 190 pounds, Akih has been a prime target for running backs coach Carlos Locklyn, who has been in close contact with the Ohio native for months.
After making multiple visits to Columbus and showcasing his elite abilities on the field, Akih finally got the call he was waiting for from Ryan Day on Monday. And let’s be honest—after a jaw-dropping junior season, how could the Buckeyes resist? The four-star standout racked up 1,653 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns while also flashing his versatility as a pass-catcher with 142 yards and three receiving touchdowns.
But Ohio State isn’t the only school that has noticed Akih’s potential. He currently holds 22 Division I offers, with powerhouse programs like Miami, USC, Penn State, Michigan State, Louisville, and Wisconsin all in hot pursuit. While his recruitment is far from over, Ohio State’s offer undoubtedly carries weight, especially with Akih already familiar with the Buckeyes’ program.
Will Akih stay in his home state and become the next great Ohio State running back? Buckeye Nation certainly hopes so.
Gordon Sellars: The Fast-Rising WR on Hartline’s Radar
Few names in the 2026 class have seen their stock rise as quickly as Gordon Sellars, and Brian Hartline is making sure Ohio State is in the mix for this electric playmaker.
Sellars, a 6-foot-2, 180-pound wide receiver from North Carolina, is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after offensive weapons in the country. With 50 receptions for 975 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, Sellars has demonstrated the kind of explosiveness and big-play ability that makes him a nightmare for defenses.
It’s no surprise, then, that his recruitment has exploded. Ranked No. 203 overall and the No. 33 receiver in the 2026 class, Sellars already boasts 25 Division I offers. Schools like Clemson, Georgia, Michigan, and South Carolina have already locked in official visits with him, signaling just how competitive this recruitment will be.
Now that Ohio State has entered the mix, will Hartline work his magic and add Sellars to the Buckeyes’ elite receiving corps? With a track record of developing first-round NFL talent, the Buckeyes have a compelling case to make.
Jonathan Hatton Jr.: A Crucial Decision Looms
While Ohio State is busy making new offers, they’re also waiting anxiously for a decision that could significantly impact their 2026 recruiting class.
Jonathan Hatton Jr., a four-star running back from Texas, is set to announce his college commitment this Saturday, and the suspense is at an all-time high. Once an Oklahoma commit, Hatton reopened his recruitment, drawing intense interest from Ohio State, Texas A&M, and Alabama.
Ohio State remains in the hunt, with Hatton scheduling an official visit to Columbus this summer. However, with the competition heating up, it’s difficult to predict where he’ll land. While the Buckeyes would love to add another dynamic rusher to their backfield, they’ll have to battle some of the nation’s top programs to secure his pledge.
Will Hatton don the scarlet and gray, or will another program swoop in at the last moment? The answer arrives this weekend.
Ryder Lyons: A Five-Star QB on the Move
The Buckeyes’ recruiting focus isn’t just on 2026 prospects—there’s a five-star quarterback preparing to visit Columbus, and his presence alone is enough to shake things up.
Ryder Lyons, one of the top-ranked quarterbacks in the nation, is planning a visit to Ohio State in the next two weeks as part of a nationwide tour that includes stops at Michigan, Oregon, USC, Ole Miss, and BYU. While BYU, Oregon, and USC are currently leading the race for his commitment, the unpredictable nature of recruiting means anything can happen.
However, there’s a unique wrinkle in Lyons’ recruitment: he plans to take an LDS mission after high school, delaying his college enrollment until the spring of 2027. This complicates things for Ohio State, as they already have Brady Edmunds committed for that class, making it an uphill battle to land Lyons.
Will Ohio State be able to make a late push and sway the California signal-caller? Or will Lyons stick with one of his current frontrunners? Either way, his upcoming visit to Columbus will be one to watch.
Final Thoughts: Buckeye Recruiting Frenzy is Just Beginning
If Monday was any indication, the next month will be nothing short of organized chaos in the world of Ohio State recruiting. With elite talent making their way to Columbus, the Buckeyes are laying the foundation for what could be another top-tier recruiting class.
Will Favour Akih and Gordon Sellars become Buckeyes? Will Jonathan Hatton Jr. shock the world on Saturday? And will Ohio State somehow pull off a miracle with Ryder Lyons?
One thing is for sure—the Buckeyes are swinging for the fences, and the recruiting drama is just heating up. Buckle up, Buckeye Nation. The ride is just getting started.
