Ohio State Hosts Top Recruits for Spring Visits

Four-star prospects from Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana get up-close look at Buckeyes program

Mar. 13, 2026 at 4:08pm

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Ohio State is welcoming a number of top high school football recruits to campus this spring as the Buckeyes begin spring practice. Highlights include visits from four-star defensive tackle Brayden Parks of Chicago, four-star offensive tackle Dewey Young of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and 2028 safety prospect Drake Coellner of Carmel, Indiana. The recruits are getting an up-close look at the Buckeyes' intense practice environment, meeting with the coaching staff, and learning about the program's focus on player development and life after football.

Why it matters

Ohio State is always a top destination for elite high school talent, and these spring visits allow the Buckeyes to make a strong impression on some of the Midwest's top prospects. Building relationships early and getting recruits on campus are crucial steps in Ohio State's efforts to reload its roster with blue-chip talent year after year.

The details

The recruits are getting an inside look at Ohio State's spring practice, where they are seeing the Buckeyes' renowned intensity and attention to detail. They are also meeting with position coaches like defensive line coach Larry Johnson and offensive line coach Tyler Bowen, who are making a strong pitch for the players to join the program. The recruits are highlighting the Buckeyes' focus on player development, both on the field and in preparing them for life after football.

  • Ohio State started spring practice this week.
  • Brayden Parks will take an official visit to Ohio State in June.
  • Dewey Young visited Ohio State on Thursday, March 13.
  • Drake Coellner visited Ohio State on Thursday, March 13.
  • Dominic Black plans to continue visiting Ohio State this spring.

The players

Brayden Parks

A four-star defensive tackle from Chicago Brother Rice High School who has Ohio State among his top contenders along with Oregon and Notre Dame.

Dewey Young

A four-star offensive tackle from Kalamazoo (Mich.) Central High School who was offered by Ohio State and has the Buckeyes as a top option along with Purdue.

Drake Coellner

A 2028 safety prospect from Carmel (Ind.) High School who has yet to receive an offer from Ohio State but was impressed by the program's culture and player-coach relationships during his visit.

Dominic Black

A four-star offensive tackle from New Madison (Ohio) Tri-Village High School who has not been offered by Ohio State yet but is being recruited by the Buckeyes' coaching staff.

Larry Johnson

Ohio State's defensive line coach, who is renowned for his ability to develop elite defensive linemen.

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What they’re saying

“Coach Johnson is the unquestioned guru of defensive line coaches of College Football. He has developed many players who went on to the NFL. Ohio State is a great program with a ton of success, especially on the defensive front.”

— Brayden Parks, Defensive Tackle

“The thing that stood out the most at Ohio State football practice was the intensity level of a second practice. I saw starters as well as second and third string guys all receive the same amount of reps. It impressed me that the offensive line room only took one player from the portal.”

— Dewey Young, Offensive Tackle

“I liked how much culture they have and how much they care about there players. Everyone on the staff is very connected with the players and it is a brotherhood.”

— Drake Coellner, 2028 Safety

What’s next

Brayden Parks will take an official visit to Ohio State in June, while Dewey Young and Dominic Black plan to continue visiting the Buckeyes this spring as they evaluate their college options.

The takeaway

Ohio State's ability to attract top talent from across the Midwest is on full display with these spring visits. The Buckeyes' reputation for developing players, both on the field and off, is a major draw for elite prospects like Brayden Parks, Dewey Young, and Drake Coellner, who are getting an up-close look at the program's culture and coaching staff.