Another highly regarded 2026 offensive tackle is being pursued by Ohio State football: Buckeye Breakfast

Ohio State Football is Pursuing Another Highly-Rated 2026 Offensive Tackle: Buckeye Breakfast

As the 2025 season nears its conclusion, Ohio State football is already looking ahead to the future. One key area of focus for the Buckeyes’ coaching staff is the offensive line. Given the importance of a strong and deep offensive line in achieving both immediate success and long-term sustainability, Ohio State is aggressively pursuing top-tier talent in the 2026 class, particularly in the form of highly-rated offensive tackles.

In recent weeks, Ohio State has ramped up its recruitment efforts for one of the nation’s top 2026 offensive tackle prospects. This player’s potential impact on the Buckeyes’ line could be monumental, as the program seeks to continue its dominant run in the Big Ten and its quest for national championships. As always, the Buckeyes are looking for prospects who not only have the physical attributes to succeed at the next level but also the mentality and drive to help the team succeed on the biggest stage.

The Importance of Offensive Tackles in Ohio State’s Scheme

Ohio State’s offensive line is critical to its offensive success. For years, the Buckeyes have relied on an elite offensive line to create opportunities for the running game, protect the quarterback, and provide the foundation for one of the most explosive offenses in college football. A powerful offensive line can determine how successful the offense will be, which is why it’s an area where head coach Ryan Day and his staff are constantly looking to improve.

Under Day, Ohio State has developed a reputation for producing top-tier offensive linemen who are able to make an immediate impact. In recent years, players like Paris Johnson Jr., Dawand Jones, and Nicholas Petit-Frère have all gone on to have successful careers in the NFL, and many other future stars are currently suiting up for the Buckeyes.

The pursuit of another highly-rated offensive tackle for the 2026 class indicates the program’s continued focus on building a formidable offensive line that can compete at the highest levels.

Ohio State’s Pursuit of 2026 Offensive Tackle Prospects

In the 2026 recruiting cycle, Ohio State is already in the mix for several elite offensive tackles. These players are expected to be among the best in the nation, and each of them possesses the talent necessary to not only make a big impact at Ohio State but potentially contribute right away.

Among the top targets in the 2026 class, one name stands out: Jackson Cantwell, an elite offensive tackle from Nixa, Missouri. Cantwell has already established himself as one of the top prospects in the country, with schools from all over the nation keeping a close eye on his development. At 6-foot-8 and 315 pounds, Cantwell has the perfect size and skill set that Ohio State seeks in an offensive tackle. He has excellent footwork, strength, and a tremendous ability to both block and protect the quarterback.

Cantwell’s recruitment is still very much in the early stages, but Ohio State has quickly positioned itself as one of the top contenders for his commitment. With a focus on developing top-tier offensive linemen and putting them in position to succeed, Ohio State is making a strong push to secure Cantwell’s services. He has visited Columbus before and has spoken highly of the program’s coaching staff, including offensive line coach Justin Frye, who has a proven track record of developing NFL-caliber linemen.

Another key target for Ohio State is Immanuel Iheanacho, a highly-rated offensive tackle from the state of Georgia. At 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds, Iheanacho combines great size with exceptional athleticism, making him one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2026 class. His quickness and ability to move in space make him a natural fit for Ohio State’s up-tempo, high-powered offense.

Iheanacho has been hearing from Ohio State for quite some time and is familiar with the program’s success in developing offensive linemen. He has stated that Ohio State is one of the programs he is seriously considering, citing the team’s winning culture and coaching staff as major draws.

Felix Ojo, a 6-foot-7 offensive tackle from Ohio, is another name to watch closely in the 2026 recruiting cycle. Ohio State has a long-standing history of recruiting and developing top-tier talent from within the state, and Ojo could be the next in line. Ojo’s combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him a natural fit for Ohio State’s offense, and the program has already extended an offer to the highly-touted prospect.

Ojo’s familiarity with Ohio State’s program gives the Buckeyes an advantage in his recruitment. He has grown up following the team, and Ohio State’s in-state success has made the program a natural destination for many Ohio prospects. It would be a major win for Ohio State if they were able to keep Ojo in-state and add him to their already impressive offensive line pipeline.

The Recruiting Process and What Ohio State Offers

The recruitment of these elite offensive tackles will be a fierce battle. Ohio State is certainly not the only program in the mix for their services, as top programs like Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, and others are also vying for these top recruits. However, Ohio State has several key advantages that could make them the program of choice for these highly-rated prospects.

First, Ohio State’s tradition of success is hard to ignore. The Buckeyes are consistently one of the top programs in the nation and are annually in the hunt for the College Football Playoff. This level of success is incredibly appealing to recruits who want to compete for championships and play on the biggest stages. The chance to compete for national titles, along with the opportunity to develop as a player under one of the best coaching staffs in the country, is a major selling point for any recruit.

Second, Ohio State’s offensive line development is second to none. The Buckeyes have a proven track record of producing NFL-caliber offensive linemen, and this tradition of excellence in developing linemen is a key factor in the recruitment of top offensive tackles. Offensive line coach Justin Frye has worked with some of the best offensive linemen in college football, and his ability to develop players and prepare them for the next level is a major draw.

Finally, Ohio State’s facilities, resources, and support system are top-tier. The program offers recruits the best in terms of training facilities, academic support, and everything else that goes into being a student-athlete at one of the premier programs in the country.

For these reasons, Ohio State has positioned itself as one of the top contenders in the recruitment of these elite offensive tackle prospects. The Buckeyes have a winning formula that continues to attract some of the best players in the country, and as the 2026 class continues to take shape, Ohio State is poised to land several key pieces that will help continue the team’s success.