Better Know A Buckeye is our look at every member of Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class and how they became Buckeyes as they prepare to begin their OSU careers this fall.
Khary Wilder was one of the least-discussed commits in Ohio State's 2026 class simply because he never backed down from being a Buckeye. That said, Wilder was ranked as the No. 3 defensive lineman (No. 51 overall) in the cycle and was even rated as a five-star prospect by some outlets. And he’s already caught the eye of OSU fans in his first two spring practices with his size and talent at defensive end.
Khary Wilder, the No. 51 overall prospect in the 2026 class, doesnt look like an ordinary freshman. pic.twitter.com/PfwRofyGRa
— Chase Brown (@chaseabrown__) March 12, 2026
Khary Wilder
- Size: 6-4/248
- Position: DE
- School: Junipero Serra (Gardena, California)
- 247 Sports Composite: ★★★★
- Composite Rank: #51 (#3 DL)
Background
It was a fast recruitment for OSU and Wilder, to say the least.
After both Matt Patricia and Larry Johnson visited Wilder in California in mid-May, Ohio State began to trend for the standout defensive end. He made his official visit to Columbus a couple of weeks later, on May 30, then committed to the Buckeyes on June 10 over the likes of Alabama and Notre Dame, among others. He was the first defensive lineman to commit to Ohio State in the class.
After an impressive camp season, which included earning On3 MVP honors at the Rivals Five-Star Challenge last June, Wilder made a massive jump in the recruiting rankings, climbing from No. 249 in May 2025 to No. 51 overall in the 2026 class in the final 247Sports composite rankings.
Even with his rapid rankings rise and being from across the country in California, Wilder had a drama-free recruitment once Ohio State zeroed in on him in the process, which tells you how much he wanted to be a Buckeye.
A four-year starter for Junipero Serra, Wilder immediately began playing on varsity as a freshman in high school. He had 29 tackles (five TFL) that season.
As a sophomore, Wilder totaled 75 tackles (15 TFL), 14 sacks and 29 quarterback hurries. As a junior, Wilder notched 86 tackles (11 TFL), 4.5 sacks, 40 quarterback hurries and six pass breakups.
As a senior, Wilder racked up 91 tackles (20 TFL), 10 sacks, 26 quarterback hits, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and two pass breakups. He was named to the Los Angeles Times' All-Star team. He closed out his high school career by recording five tackles and half a sack in the Under Armour All-America Game.
"He's super disruptive - there might not be a more dominant, defensive player, on the west coast than Khary Wilder"@CharlesPower on why this Ohio State DL commit is now a newly minted 5-star
— Josh Newberg (@josh_newberg) September 18, 2025
MORE: https://t.co/7EnmS84yjY pic.twitter.com/AAlULb2Qcx
Ohio State commit Khary Wilder @WilderKhary knocked the Hamilton QBs helmet clean off #Buckeyes pic.twitter.com/Bhjh0C9xL3
— Theconnectsport (@theconnectsport) August 29, 2025
Scouting Report
Wilder's skill set and size are different from any other Ohio State commit this cycle. The highest-ranked defensive linemen in the Buckeyes' class, the 6-4, 248-pound edge rusher has the speed to get past bigger offensive linemen and strength to overpower smaller opponents.
Wilder's physicality and football IQ certainly stick out, and he combined all of his outstanding skills to dominate his opposition in high school. His instincts allow him to find opposing ballcarriers in the run game and get to the quarterback in passing situations. Add in excellent speed for a guy his size, and Wilder consistently makes plays in the backfield and close to the line of scrimmage.
Wilder must continue to develop his pass-rush moves and ability to win in hand-to-hand combat, but this will come with time as he improves at the college level. His relentless motor should allow Wilder to reach his full potential as time goes on.
Whether it's as an edge rusher or lining up inside on passing downs, Wilder's versatility is a tremendous asset to his already impressive skill set.
Depth Chart Outlook
Ohio State has plenty of talent at defensive end entering 2026, but the group doesn't have much starting experience outside of Kenyatta Jackson Jr. That said, Zion Grady, Beau Atkinson and Alabama transfer Qua Russaw have shown glimpses of being solid players, with Grady likely being the favorite to start opposite Jackson at defensive end as the sophomore showed plenty of promise during his freshman season.
While Wilder will have to compete with more experienced players on the three-deep, the freshman's college-ready size and skill set will prove too much to keep off the field as a freshman. If Wilder can carve out a role in the rotation this season, he will have a shot to start at defensive end for Ohio State in his second season as a Buckeye in 2027.
Better Know A Buckeye
Player Comparison: Zach Harrison
Harrison had the type of college-ready size that made people double-check that he was only a freshman the moment he stepped on campus. Wilder has done the same thing.
During his four years as a Buckeye, Harrison combined for 106 tackles (25.5 TFL), 13 sacks, one interception, 10 passes defended, five forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He became a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft, where he has had a solid three years with the Atlanta Falcons since.
While Wilder's numbers could be better than Harrison's down the road, the two could compare closely, both with playing style and size early on, along with the fact that Wilder has a chance to contribute as a freshman the same way Harrison did.
