Ohio State Secures Four-Star Defensive Lineman Khary Wilder in Major Recruiting Win
In a thrilling recruiting coup, Ohio State has landed a commitment from Khary Wilder, a four-star defensive lineman from Junipero Serra High School in Gardena, California, for the 2026 class. Announced on June 11, 2025, via social media, the 6-foot-4, 260-pound prospect chose the Buckeyes over powerhouse programs like Notre Dame, UCLA, Washington, Georgia, and Alabama, marking a significant victory for head coach Ryan Day and defensive line coach Larry Johnson. Wilder’s pledge, celebrated across platforms like X, bolsters Ohio State’s already formidable 2026 recruiting class, now ranked No. 2 nationally by 247Sports.
Wilder, ranked as the No. 242 overall prospect and No. 23 edge rusher in the 2026 class per 247Sports Composite Rankings, brings versatility and explosiveness to the Buckeyes’ defensive front. His scouting report highlights a powerful frame, exceptional length, and violent play style, making him a disruptive force as a pass rusher. With a quick first step and the ability to play multiple positions along the defensive line, Wilder’s skill set aligns perfectly with Johnson’s track record of developing NFL-caliber linemen like Chase Young and Joey Bosa. His junior season stats—54 tackles, 22 for loss, four sacks, and a forced fumble in 10 games—demonstrate his ability to dominate both the run and pass games.
The recruitment process was swift and decisive. Wilder emerged on Ohio State’s radar in spring 2025, with Johnson and new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia visiting him in May. His official visit to Columbus on May 30 proved pivotal, as Wilder connected deeply with the coaching staff’s vision for his development. Posts on X from recruiting insiders noted his immediate bond with the Buckeyes, with Patricia earning his first recruiting win since joining the staff. Wilder’s commitment, announced just two weeks after his visit, underscores Ohio State’s ability to close on high-priority targets efficiently, even in a competitive recruiting landscape.
Wilder’s addition addresses a critical need for Ohio State, as the Buckeyes lacked a defensive line commitment in the 2026 cycle prior to his pledge. His versatility—potentially playing as an edge rusher or sliding inside to defensive tackle—offers flexibility to a unit that lost key players like Tyleik Williams and Josh Simmons to the 2025 NFL Draft. Alongside in-state running back Favour Akih, Wilder’s commitment brings Ohio State’s 2026 class to 15 pledges, with a 93.08 average player rating, trailing only LSU. The Buckeyes’ success in pulling Wilder from California, a state they’ve increasingly targeted, signals their growing national recruiting reach.
This commitment also sets the stage for Ohio State to pursue Wilder’s teammate, five-star cornerback Duvay Williams, in the 2027 class, potentially continuing the “Serra to Columbus” pipeline. Fans on X erupted with excitement, with posts calling Wilder a “game-changer” for the Buckeyes’ defense. As Ohio State builds toward another national title run, Wilder’s blend of athleticism, versatility, and raw power positions him as a cornerstone of their future defensive line, with the potential to leave a lasting legacy in Columbus.
