Ohio State Lands Top Receiver Recruit with New Coach

Five-star prospect Jamier Brown excited about connection with new Buckeyes receivers coach Cortez Hankton

Mar. 3, 2026 at 5:47am

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Ohio State's hiring of Cortez Hankton as its new receivers coach has paid immediate dividends on the recruiting trail, as the Buckeyes have secured a commitment from five-star 2027 prospect Jamier Brown. Brown, who attends Big Walnut High School in Sunbury, Ohio, says he already has a strong connection with Hankton and sees similarities between the new coach and former Ohio State receivers coach Brian Hartline.

Why it matters

Keeping top in-state talent like Jamier Brown is crucial for Ohio State to maintain its status as an elite program. Hankton's ability to quickly build a relationship with Brown and continue the recruiting success of Hartline will be key to the Buckeyes' continued dominance in the Big Ten and nationally.

The details

Hankton, who previously coached at LSU, reached out to Brown the day after being hired at Ohio State. Brown says he already sees similarities in the way Hankton and Hartline communicate and focus on the technical aspects of the position. While Brown was initially surprised by Hartline's departure for USF, he's excited to work with Hankton and continue Ohio State's tradition of developing top-flight receivers.

  • Hankton was named Ohio State's new receivers coach in December 2025.
  • Hankton reached out to Jamier Brown the day after being hired or after the hiring was announced.

The players

Jamier Brown

A five-star 2027 wide receiver prospect who has committed to play for Ohio State. He currently attends Big Walnut High School in Sunbury, Ohio.

Cortez Hankton

The new wide receivers coach at Ohio State, previously held the same position at LSU.

Brian Hartline

The former Ohio State wide receivers coach who departed for the same role at USF in December 2025.

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What they’re saying

“He wanted me when he was at LSU. We had a spring break trip with 7 on 7. And I think LSU was going to offer me when I got up there, but I didn't go (due to a track meet). I kind of knew that I was important and that he wanted to coach me when he reached out so fast -- the day after he got the job -- or after it was announced he got the job. But the relationship's been good. We connect on a lot of different things. We see a lot of things similar, the same. So it's been good.”

— Jamier Brown

What’s next

Hankton will look to continue building a strong relationship with Jamier Brown and secure additional top receiver recruits for Ohio State's 2027 class.

The takeaway

Ohio State's ability to quickly replace a coaching legend like Brian Hartline with an up-and-coming recruiter like Cortez Hankton demonstrates the program's continued dominance in developing and attracting elite wide receiver talent.