Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class just received a significant boost with the commitment of four-star defensive prospect Simeon Caldwell. Multiple sources confirmed the news to ESPN, solidifying the Buckeyes’ position in securing top talent for the upcoming season. Caldwell, ranked as the nation’s 34th best prospect and the fourth-best outside linebacker according to ESPN, chose Ohio State after an unofficial visit this past weekend. This commitment follows closely on the heels of another impressive pickup—four-star safety Blaine Bradford—further strengthening Ohio State’s already impressive recruiting momentum.
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Caldwell hails from Jacksonville, Florida, where he showcased his versatility as a defender for The Bolles School. His impressive performances have led to significant interest from top programs such as Miami, Notre Dame, and USC. However, it was Ohio State that ultimately secured his commitment, a testament to the Buckeyes’ strong recruiting efforts.
Family connections played a role in Caldwell’s decision. His father, Mike Caldwell, is a former Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator with 10 years of NFL experience, and his uncle, Tim Walton, is currently a secondary coach for the Buckeyes. However, this wasn’t solely a family affair. Ohio State’s coaching staff, including first-year defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and assistants Matt Guerrieri and James Laurinaitis, played a crucial role in recruiting Caldwell and were instrumental in his decision.
Initially, Caldwell planned to take official visits to Miami, USC, and Notre Dame in the late spring. Now, following his commitment, his only official visit will be to Ohio State in June. This shows the impact of the Buckeyes’ program and the confidence Caldwell has in their coaching staff.
With Caldwell and Bradford in the fold, two of ESPN’s top 10 defenders in the 2026 class, Ohio State has established a strong foundation for its defense. The Buckeyes already had four-star cornerback Jakob Weatherspoon committed, and now their recruiting sights are set on five-star cornerback Elbert Hill, who could further solidify their secondary. The addition of these talented defensive players adds to the already impressive offensive talent committed to Ohio State, most notably five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., the nation’s top-ranked prospect. The Buckeyes have also secured commitments from in-state offensive tackles Maxwell Riley and Sam Greer, along with four-star tight end Corbyn Fordham, a high school teammate of Caldwell’s. All in all, Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the most formidable in the nation.
