Four Hidden Gems Who Might Ignite the Buckeye Nation
Ohio State’s 2027 class is shaping up as one of the most exciting in recent memory, but four under-the-radar prospects still on the board could tip the scales. Kaylon Bailey, an explosive Glenville linebacker-turned-edge rusher, offers raw power and speed off the ball. Kal-El Johnson, a 6-foot-6 force in run blocking, boasts first-step pop and anchor potential on the trenches. Safety Kenaz Sullivan, a Virginia standout with ball-hawking instincts and downhill burst, projects as a turnover machine, and corner Bryce Woods combines fluid hips with playmaking skill in the flat. Each possesses the physical tools to join Columbus and elevate the next Buckeye era, provided Ohio State can turn visits into commitments.
While being recruited by Ohio State is basically a ticket to the moon, fans everywhere are already carving jerseys around names that haven’t even officially committed. You’d think the Buckeyes rival NASA with the amount of rocket metaphors tossed at 17-year-olds. If these four prospects can resist the gravitational pull of slick recruiting pitches from other programs, Columbus will be choking on talent faster than you can say “cascade pass rush.” Meanwhile, rival coaches are reportedly dusting off old VHS tapes in hopes of discovering the next Ted Ginn or Marshon Lattimore lurking at their local high school. Good luck, folks—blink and another five-star miracle might slip away.
NFL’s Buckeye Invasion: Seven Games Brimming with Ex-OSU Stars
SI’s full 2026 NFL schedule shines a spotlight on seven regular-season showdowns loaded with former Ohio State stars. Week 4’s Steelers at Browns clash features 11 ex-Buckeyes split across Cleveland and Pittsburgh. Paris hosts the Week 7 tilt between New Orleans and Pittsburgh where five Buckeyes from each side will grace the field. Week 8’s divisional rematch in Pittsburgh promises the same roster reunion, followed by Browns at Saints in Week 9 and Texans at Browns in Week 10—with Houston’s trio of C.J. Stroud, Cade Stover, and Tommy Togiai joining Cleveland’s six. Arizona’s Cardinals also join the parade, stacking six Buckeyes against the Chiefs in Week 11 and again taking on the Saints in Week 16. Buckeye alumni domination to the hilt.
Apparently, the NFL decided that a mere sprinkling of Buckeyes in every city was too subtle and went full-blown invasion. By 2026, fans might mistake kickoff for an alumni reunion—complete with letter jackets and awkward small talk about offseason training regimens. Legend has it the league is considering adding “Most Former Buckeyes” as an official tiebreaker in standings. ESPN is even rumored to be renaming its RedZone channel to “Brutus Zone.” Rival coaches are investing in extra GPS trackers to locate any player who dares shout “O-H-I-O” mid-game. Welcome to the Big Ten takeover … I mean, NFL season.
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