Lane Kiffin Aims to Secure Ohio State Football Recruit Pre-Signing Day
The Ohio State football program is entering the Early Signing Day with significant aspirations. Following their recent victory against Michigan, they aim to solidify their position in the 2026 recruiting class. Currently ranked sixth nationally, this class would represent the lowest rating for head coach Ryan Day since his inaugural year.
Lane Kiffin’s Recruitment Strategy
As the Early Signing Day approaches, other collegiate programs are attempting to secure commitments from Ohio State recruits. One such head coach is Lane Kiffin, who recently took on the role at LSU. His efforts to attract talent include making offers to players already committed to the Buckeyes.
Jerquaden Guilford’s Recruitment
- Player: Jerquaden Guilford
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Rating: Four-star recruit
- Height/Weight: 6’3”, 190 pounds
- Hometown: Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Commitment Date: July
Just prior to Signing Day, Kiffin extended an offer to Guilford, signaling his desire to lure the young talent to LSU. While this move may seem ambitious, experts believe it is unlikely Guilford will change his commitment, particularly given the strength of Ohio State’s recruitment.
Impact of Brian Hartline
Another key figure in this scenario is Brian Hartline, Ohio State’s wide receivers coach. Hartline is recognized as one of the nation’s top recruiters and has a track record for retaining his recruits. If he were to leave Ohio State for a head coaching position, it might prompt Guilford to reconsider his options. However, as it stands, Hartline’s continued presence is likely to keep Guilford loyal to the Buckeyes.
As the clock ticks down to Early Signing Day, Ohio State’s coaching staff remains optimistic about retaining their key recruits. Despite Kiffin’s aggressive recruitment tactics, the loyalty of the recruits is expected to hold steady as the signing deadline approaches.
