The Ohio State Buckeyes have a small 2026 recruiting class right now despite just winning the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff. It’s not time to get shaky knees yet, as the Buckeyes are deploying a new-look staff over the coming weeks. However, there is reason for concern they’ll miss out on two of their top overall targets along the offensive line.
Getting one of two premier 5-star tackles, Jackson Cantwell and Immanuel Iheanacho, would be a massive win for new offensive line coach Tyler Bowen. Former OL coach Justin Frye struggled to make great in-roads with the duo, and it’s possible rivals will snatch both of them. Iheanacho is starting to look especially out of reach with recent reporting from On3’s Steve Wiltfong.
Iheanacho told On3 that Maryland has taken the lead in his recruitment race, sparking the surprise of everyone within the industry. Maryland already has a commitment from the No. 1 overall recruit in the country, pass-rusher Zion Elee and Iheanacho loves how close the school is to his home area.
“Personally on my note I’d say the idea of being a hometown hero has popped into everybody’s head. It popped into mine after Zion committed. It had a different look on my mentality and how I approached my recruitment. Why go to another state? Stay home and represent my college.”
Iheanacho has another reason for considering whether Columbus or other cities are as good of a fit.
“My mom doesn’t like flying,” he stated. “It’s easier to drive 40 minutes and get into the stadium. Everybody goes to Penn State, Bama, everybody wants to go everywhere else. Miami. Why not stay here.”
Located only 20 minutes from his high school, Maryland has a regional advantage no one else can match. Ohio Stadium is over six hours away, comparatively. While that’s not a bad drive, the Buckeyes simply can’t overcome certain family ties.
Wiltfong added that Georgia and Oregon have the leg up on everyone else for Cantwell, with the Buckeyes trying to overcome their lead.