Thursday could be a big day for Ohio State.
It was already a day circled by many fans who invest in the Buckeyes’ recruiting because four-star linebacker Cincere Johnson is scheduled to pick from a final three of Ohio State, Penn State and Alabama at 12:30 p.m.
But Ohio State priority defensive end target Luke Wafle is also expected to pick a school at 2 p.m. on Thursday. Until Wednesday, the recruiting industry seemingly didn’t have a clear read on where the New Jersey product was leaning, with USC having a ton of momentum following his visit with the Trojans last weekend and Texas having the chance to move the needle with a scheduled official visit this weekend. Not to mention, Penn State made him a priority target, and his older brother plays for the Nittany Lions.
But as of early Wednesday afternoon, we like where this is headed for Ohio State and Wafle could be the second Ohio State defensive line commitment alongside Khary Wilder. If things go as expected, the Buckeyes could potentially have two BOOMS in one day and add two top 75 prospects to their 2026 class.
Aaron Thomas to commit next week
Shortly after his official visit to Ohio State, Aaron Thomas told Eleven Warriors he was eyeing a commitment in late June. Thomas has now set a specific timeframe, announcing that he’ll commit some time next week.
Whats the move? Committing next week. #PurpleReign #GoBuckeyes #GoNoles #Hookem #GigEm pic.twitter.com/RJbOlMD4QP
— Aaron Thomas (@AaronEliThomas) June 17, 2025
The 6-foot-7, 300-pound Arizona offensive tackle took an official visit to Ohio State on May 30, which went well from the Buckeyes’ point of view.
“It was a good visit, my parents and I really enjoyed it,” Thomas told Eleven Warriors of his visit.. “I feel like they can help me develop into a first-round draft pick. I really like coach Tyler Bowen and coach Ryan Day. It was nice learning more about the school and the academic side and getting to hang around the players a little bit.”
Thomas will take his final official visit to Texas A&M this weekend, then head into decision mode. Ohio State remains in a good spot to potentially land the coveted three-star product, but Tyler Bowen will know for sure next weekend.
“He was just showing me what the plan was for me,” Thomas said of his conversations with Bowen on the official visit. “The developmental part and how my game translated to what they do at Ohio State and their offense.”
Tyler Atkinson taking official visit to Texas
One of the Buckeyes’ top targets at linebacker appears to be heading in a different direction. Five-star Tyler Atkinson has set an official visit to Texas for this weekend instead of Ohio State, giving the indication the Buckeyes could be falling behind both Georgia and the Longhorns in his recruitment. Theoretically, Atkinson could still take an official visit to Ohio State in July or sometime in the fall, but for now, the speculation is that Texas and Georgia have a leg up.
Ekene Ogboko commits to Georgia
In a move that was expected, an offensive tackle target for Ohio State is off the board. Four-star tackle Ekene Ogboko committed to Georgia on Wednesday, as the Bulldogs bolstered their 2026 class.
BREAKING: Four-Star OT Ekene Ogboko has Committed to Georgia, he tells me for @on3recruits
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 18, 2025
The 67 295 OT from Durham, NC chose the Bulldogs over Florida, Clemson, & Notre Dame
AGTG, Im home. The Ogbokos are in Athens. Go Dawgs!https://t.co/ggP9PfWjPY pic.twitter.com/v6oDm916Yy
Ogboko was scheduled to take an official visit to Ohio State last weekend, but those plans ultimately fell through. Instead, the Buckeyes will continue their pursuit of Thomas, Felix Ojo and other offensive tackles.