Better Know a Buckeye: Physicality, IQ and Instincts Can Make Kaden Gebhardt A Difference-Making Safety Near the Line of Scrimmage

Growing up just north of campus, Kaden Gebhardt was destined to be a Buckeye; the road to doing so just took a detour before he arrived at Ohio State in January.

Background

Gebhardt received an Ohio State offer, his 26th Division I offer, in November 2024, following several visits to OSU, including for a couple of gamedays and a spring practice.

While he set up official visits to Clemson, Ohio State and Penn State on back-to-back-to-back weekends to begin his summer break in 2025, Gebhardt committed to Clemson on March 11 last year, before any of his OVs.

But that didn't stop the Buckeyes from pursuing the Lewis Center product. It proved to make a difference, as the safety flipped his commitment from the Tigers to Ohio State on the first day of the Early Signing Period.

As a high school freshman, Gebhardt made an immediate impact on varsity, totaling 106 tackles (one tackle for loss), four interceptions and two pass breakups. He also had seven catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns during a breakout freshman season.

As a sophomore, he recorded 112 tackles (three TFL), three interceptions, two pass breakups and one forced fumble. Then, as a junior, Gebhardt notched 94 tackles (six TFL), five pass breakups and two interceptions, winning OCC Defensive Player of the Year.

Lewis Center (Ohio) Olentangy Top247 safety Kaden Gebhardt playing well this season. Shows he's physical as a tackler but can also cover.

He visits Oklahoma this Saturday.https://t.co/v5Hbn9zgqs @CKennedy247 pic.twitter.com/wWn8cyzsCJ

— Allen Trieu (@AllenTrieu) September 17, 2024

In Gebhardt's final high school season, he had 106 tackles (three TFL), eight pass breakups and two interceptions, earning OCC Defensive Player of the Year honors for the second consecutive season. On the offensive side of the ball, Gebhardt totaled 12 carries for 30 yards and two touchdowns to go along with six receptions for 128 yards and two scores.

Gebhardt earned All-OCC honors in all four years during his high school career and helped Olentangy win the OHSAA Division I state championship as a junior in 2025.

Scouting Report

With a high football IQ, Gebhardt uses his instincts to take the right angle and beat the ball carrier to his spot more often than not. He shines closer to the line of scrimmage as a safety in the box, as Gebhardt is a hard-nosed player who is more physical than his size might show.

While he's best when he's going downhill, Gebhardt's agility and ability to be quick in small areas allow him to be an effective zone defender.

Although his workout and testing numbers might not blow anyone away, Gebhardt's combination of toughness, IQ and quickness allows him to make plays all over the field.

Depth Chart Outlook

With a loaded group of safeties in 2026 that includes Jaylen McClain, Earl Little Jr., Terry Moore, Leroy Roker III, redshirt freshman Deshawn Stewart and fellow freshmen Blaine Bradford, Simeon Caldwell and Khmari Bing, among others, Gebhardt will likely have to wait his turn before making a significant impact on defense.

Gebhardt – whose physical development as a freshman has been apparent with his “Dude of the Week” recognition earlier this summer – could be a candidate to make an early impact on special teams, which could help his chances of climbing the depth chart starting next season.

Of The Week

@HinzmanCarson
@TarvosAlford_II
@kaden_gebhardt pic.twitter.com/Xs8Xb0AzEH

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) June 10, 2026

Little and Moore are both fifth-year seniors while McClain is also a candidate to enter the 2027 NFL draft, so there will be playing time up for grabs at safety as early as next season.

Gebhardt will likely be a safety that plays closer to the line of scrimmage and in the box at Ohio State, a specific skill set that could earn him situational playing time earlier than expected as he attempts to work his way up to a future starting role.

Player Comparison: Brendon White

A Columbus kid like Gebhardt, White leaned on his do-it-all ability as a safety to line up both in the box and in the defensive backfield, but really showcased his playmaking ability closer to the line of scrimmage.

White proved his athleticism on special teams early on as a Buckeye before appearing in 23 games during his second and third seasons at Ohio State, highlighted by a standout performance at the end of his sophomore year for which he earned Rose Bowl Defensive MVP honors.

While White never quite lived up to the expectations he had coming out of that game and ultimately transferred to Rutgers for his final season of college football, his versatility and athleticism is similar to what Gebhardt brings to OSU.

If Gebhardt can make a similar impact to that which White made at the peak of his Ohio State career and ultimately continue that into a lasting role on the Buckeyes’ defense, he could prove to be a three-star steal for OSU.