Ohio State secured a major commitment on Wednesday, landing four-star defender Simeon Caldwell, multiple sources told ESPN. The Buckeyes, led by coach Ryan Day, added the nation’s No. 34 overall prospect in the 2026 recruiting cycle.
Caldwell, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound standout from Jacksonville, Florida, is ranked as ESPN’s No. 4 outside linebacker. He chose Ohio State over Miami, Notre Dame, and USC after an unofficial visit this past weekend. His commitment marks the Buckeyes’ second top-35 pledge of the week, following four-star safety Blaine Bradford (No. 32 in the ESPN Junior 300) committing on Monday.
Caldwell comes from a strong football lineage—his father, Mike Caldwell, played 10 seasons in the NFL and served as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive coordinator, while his uncle, Tim Walton, is Ohio State’s secondary coach.
A versatile defender at The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Caldwell has excelled in multiple roles and is projected to play either linebacker or safety for the Buckeyes. His recruitment was heavily pursued by Ohio State’s staff, with first-year defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, along with assistants Matt Guerrieri and James Laurinaitis, playing key roles in securing his commitment.
Originally planning official visits to Miami, USC, and Notre Dame later this spring, Caldwell has now shifted his focus entirely to Ohio State, scheduling his lone official visit for June 20 following his Wednesday announcement.
ChatGPT said:
With the additions of Caldwell and Bradford—two of ESPN’s top 10 defensive prospects in the 2026 cycle—Ohio State has established a strong foundation for its defensive recruiting class. The Buckeyes have also secured a commitment from four-star cornerback Jakob Weatherspoon (No. 165 overall), further solidifying their defensive depth. Another key target still on the board is five-star cornerback Elbert Hill, the No. 13 overall prospect in the class, who could further strengthen Ohio State’s secondary before the early signing period in December.
Leading the Buckeyes’ 2026 class is five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., ESPN’s No. 1 overall prospect. The program has also landed commitments from in-state offensive tackles Maxwell Riley (No. 96) and Sam Greer (No. 249), both key additions in March. Four-star tight end Corbyn Fordham (No. 224), a high school teammate of Caldwell’s, rounds out Ohio State’s current group of six ESPN 300 commits.
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