Who’s on top of the AP poll? Ohio State. Who’s dominating the recruiting trail? Ohio State. The defending champions are making 2025 a year to remember. And to carry forward the same momentum into 2026, offensive line coach Tyler Bowen has become one of OSU’s most effective recruiters this cycle, rebuilding depth after several uneven years under Greg Studrawa. Most recently, he helped secure Landry Brede, a 315-pound, three-star offensive tackle from Mentor, Ohio, who has officially flipped his commitment from NC State to join the Buckeyes’ 2026 class.

Brede originally committed to NC State on June 25, following official visits to North Carolina, Pitt, and the Wolfpack. But once Ohio State offered him a scholarship on September 6, Brede made back-to-back visits to Columbus. First for the Ohio game on September 13, then again when OSU hosted Minnesota, and within weeks, the flip was official. So why the change of heart?

For Brede, it was about both homegrown loyalty and NFL opportunity. “I grew up watching them, so it was a big, big offer for me,” he told reporters earlier this fall. Beyond the emotional tie, the stats speak for themselves. Ohio State has produced five NFL-drafted offensive tackles in the past five years, compared to just one from NC State. On a broader scale, OSU has sent 40 players to the league over the last five years, while the Wolfpack has had just seven. For a young lineman with pro aspirations, the Buckeyes’ track record is impossible to ignore.

At 6-foot-6, 315 pounds, Brede was an honorable mention All-State honoree last season and is ranked No. 93 among offensive tackles nationally, per 247Sports. Though not the highest-rated name in OSU’s class, his ceiling, paired with his Ohio roots, makes him an ideal fit. Three of the five offensive line commits for the 2026 class are in-state recruits, including Maxwell Riley and Sam Greer. With his addition, Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class now holds 21 commitments and sits firmly at No. 2 in the nation, according to On3. Now, Day’s squad is preparing to face Wisconsin, but their win over Illinois brought some injury news. Coach Day has now provided clear updates on the situation.

OSU HC provides post-game injury update

Bo Jackson left the Illinois game just past the nine-minute mark of the 3rd quarter. Following that, FOX suggested he might have suffered a lower-leg injury. But after the game, Ryan Day worked to calm any lingering concerns about his star back. “He could’ve kept playing,” stated Day, “had the contest been tighter.” But Jackson wasn’t the only one on the injury list.

WR Jeremiah Smith also took a hit midway through the third quarter. And he had to leave the field. But after getting treated on the sidelines, he bounced back and returned to the game. Later, he even hauled in a TD. Now, as for the other unavailable players, Day offered no new updates.

The Buckeyes were missing many players heading into the Illini game, including key starters like DB Lorenzo Styles and DT Eddrick Houston. Now, the Buckeyes are preparing to keep their winning streak alive at Camp Randall Stadium.