The recruiting machine in Columbus is roaring into high gear—and Larry Johnson just loaded it with jet fuel.
June has long been circled as the Buckeyes’ recruiting war zone, a stretch of days destined to define Ohio State’s next few classes. And so far, it’s delivering fireworks. Just hours after nabbing four-star running back Favour Akih—an explosive ball-carrier poised to thrive in Brian Hartline’s evolving offense—the Buckeyes struck gold again.
But this time, they didn’t just reel in a commitment—they made a statement. Commitment No. 15 in the 2026 class came from 2,400 miles away. That’s right: Ohio State stormed the West Coast and emerged with one of California’s most coveted trench warriors.
Enter: Khary Wilder, the EDGE Nightmare from the Golden State
Late Tuesday evening, four-star EDGE rusher Khary Wilder out of Junípero Serra High School (CA) committed to the Buckeyes, choosing Ohio State over fellow heavyweights Notre Dame, Washington, and UCLA. This wasn’t just another win—it was a loud, national power move.
And perhaps most notably, Wilder becomes the first defensive line commit of the 2026 cycle for legendary position coach Larry Johnson. For a man who’s helped mold the Bosa brothers, Chase Young, and countless NFL-caliber linemen, this is an important early building block.
“Wilder just keeps getting better every time we see him,” said 247Sports’ Greg Biggins. “He’s a dominant lineman who can win both inside and out. His size, motor, and explosiveness make him a nightmare matchup.”
Standing at 6-foot-4, 260 pounds, Wilder is already built like a Sunday player—and he’s just entering his junior season. His 80-inch wingspan, massive hands, and grown-man strength make him a rare breed: equally destructive as a stand-up EDGE or a three-tech in the trenches. And with another year to grow? He could be a five-star wrecking ball by the time Signing Day arrives.
️ Why Wilder’s Commitment Is Bigger Than Rankings
Let’s break this down: Wilder is currently ranked No. 242 nationally and the No. 23 EDGE in the 2026 class according to 247Sports Composite. But that doesn’t tell the whole story. This kid isn’t just a stat-sheet stuffer or camp phenomenon—he’s an evolving force of chaos who plays with violent leverage and the uncoachable trait every coach covets: relentless motor.
He bullies tackles, shrugs off double teams, and collapses pockets with the kind of ferocity that reminds Ohio State fans of—you guessed it—Chase Young. He’s not there yet, of course. But give Larry Johnson two years with this freak of nature? You might want to buy stock in his draft future now.
California Dreamin’… in Columbus?
This flip wasn’t just about talent—it was about reach. Ohio State ventured into Southern California, an area historically dominated by Pac-12 (and now Big Ten) programs, and came back with a cornerstone. This isn’t just recruiting. It’s conquest. And it’s a signal to the rest of the country: distance no longer matters when you’re chasing greatness.
While programs like UCLA and USC are still trying to find their footing in the Big Ten era, Ohio State is out here snatching their backyard beasts and grooming them into All-Americans. That’s what separates contenders from kings.
What’s Next for the Buckeyes? The Trail is Blazing Hot
With 15 commitments already secured, Ohio State’s 2026 class is sizzling—and sources suggest this isn’t the end of the June surge. More official visits are scheduled, the coaching staff is dialed in, and momentum is reaching critical mass.
Larry Johnson’s first domino has fallen. And if Wilder’s commitment is any indication, the rest of the 2026 defensive line class might be about to fall like a chain reaction. Don’t be surprised if another boom hits Columbus by the time the next weekend rolls around.
Final Thought: A California Pillar for a Midwest Empire
In the grand chess match that is modern college football recruiting, Ohio State just snatched a bishop off the board from Notre Dame and the SEC, and planted it right in Ryan Day’s kingdom.
Wilder’s commitment is more than a pickup. It’s a preview of the violent, versatile, NFL-ready front the Buckeyes are assembling—one elite piece at a time.
June isn’t just heating up in Columbus… it’s scorching.
