Ohio State Football Recruiting: 2026 Target Four-Star DL Emanuel Ruffin Locks In Commitment Date

Top Defensive Line Target Emanuel Ruffin Sets Decision Date, And The Buckeyes Remain in Strong Contention

COLUMBUS, OHIO — This past weekend, the Buckeyes hosted 2026 Four-Star DL Emmanuel Ruffin out of Alabama on his official visit. Since then, he has released his commitment date and the schools he’s set to choose between.

Ruffin, who has already scheduled official visits to LSU (May 30–June 1), Ohio State (June 6–8), and Alabama (June 20–22), is generating strong buzz—and OSU stands firmly among the front-runners as that date approaches.

His commitment date will be on July 4th. Ruffin is set to pick between Ohio State, LSU, Alabama, Texas, and Georgia. He is fresh off an Ohio State official visit and was in LSU last weekend.

Ohio State seems to have put themselves into great position for the Alabama D-Lineman but time prevails here. The Buckeyes definitely left a big impression on Ruffin. Needless to say, it’s the Buckeyes vs SEC. This visit could be the one that convinces Ruffin to come up north.

One thing worth to note is, the Buckeyes can pull the talent from the South. They did it last class with EDGE Zion Grady. They could very well do it again here with Ruffin.