Ohio State football has received a significant boost in its 2026 recruiting efforts following a pivotal visit from four-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo. The 6-foot-7, 285-pound standout from Lake Ridge High School in Mansfield, Texas, has emerged as one of the most sought-after linemen in his class, and his recent interactions with the Buckeyes have positioned them as a top contender for his commitment.elevenwarriors.com+4elevenwarriors.com+4sportskeeda.com+4nbcsports.com+6pmgelite.com+6on3.com+6
Ojo’s journey with Ohio State began when he attended a recruiting camp in June 2024. During this visit, he worked closely with then-offensive line coach Justin Frye, who left a lasting impression on the young athlete. “I feel like Coach Frye really knows what he’s doing,” Ojo remarked. “He’s more of a hands-on coach, which I like. Every single drill he had me in really got me better and improved my game.” elevenwarriors.comelevenwarriors.com+4on3.com+4elevenwarriors.com+4sportskeeda.com
The positive experience extended beyond the field. Ojo felt a strong connection with the entire coaching staff and appreciated the welcoming environment. “Just talking to all the other coaches on the staff, I felt welcomed and at home. They were just treating my family right,” he said. This sense of belonging has been a critical factor in Ojo’s consideration of Ohio State.sportskeeda.com
Despite the departure of Coach Frye to the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, Ohio State’s commitment to Ojo has not wavered. The entire offensive staff reached out to reassure him of his importance to the program. “Especially when Coach Frye left, the whole offensive staff called me that morning letting me know that they’re gonna find someone new quick and that I’m still a top priority,” Ojo shared. elevenwarriors.com+8on3.com+8si.com+8landgrantholyland.com+2si.com+2on3.com+2
Ojo’s recruitment is highly competitive, with several top programs vying for his commitment. According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Texas currently leads with a 23.3% chance, followed by Oklahoma at 20.4%, Alabama at 17.5%, and SMU at 7.6%. However, Ohio State’s consistent communication and the relationships built during his visit have kept them firmly in contention.sportskeeda.com
In addition to his football prowess, Ojo is a multi-sport athlete, participating in basketball and track and field. His athleticism and versatility make him an even more attractive prospect for college programs. He has also been honored as a 2025 Navy All-American, highlighting his status as one of the nation’s elite offensive linemen. sportskeeda.com+1pmgelite.com+1nbcsports.com
As Ojo continues to evaluate his options, he plans to take official visits to both Ohio State and Texas. While the date for his return to Columbus has not been set, his interest in the Buckeyes remains strong. “What stands out about Ohio State is the culture and how much of a priority I am for them,” he noted. si.com+4on3.com+4landgrantholyland.com+4si.com+2landgrantholyland.com+2on3.com+2
Ohio State’s pursuit of Ojo underscores the program’s dedication to securing top-tier talent for its offensive line. With only one commitment for the 2026 class thus far—wide receiver Chris Henry Jr.—landing a player of Ojo’s caliber would be a significant addition. His potential to develop into a dominant force on the line aligns with the Buckeyes’ tradition of producing NFL-ready offensive linemen.sportskeeda.com+1elevenwarriors.com+1
Felix Ojo’s recent visit and the subsequent reaffirmation of his importance to Ohio State’s program have solidified the Buckeyes as a leading contender in his recruitment. As he continues to assess his options, the relationships built and the culture experienced in Columbus may prove decisive in his final decision.
