Ohio landed a monumental recruiting win with the commitment of five-star athlete Elijah Brown, a dynamic two-way player who is expected to make an immediate impact when he arrives in 2026. Hailing from Indianapolis, Indiana, Brown had offers from more than 30 Power Five programs, including Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, and LSU, but ultimately chose Ohio, citing strong relationships with the coaching staff, program stability, and the chance to be the centerpiece of a rising class.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, Brown is ranked among the top 15 overall players in the 2026 class and is widely regarded as the No. 1 athlete in the Midwest. His ability to line up at wide receiver, safety, or even corner gives the Buckeyes tremendous versatility on both sides of the ball. Brown’s high football IQ, combined with elite speed and explosiveness, makes him one of the most complete prospects in the nation.
“This just feels like home,” Brown said in a statement following his commitment. “The culture, the fans, the coaching staff — it all aligns with what I’m looking for on and off the field. I want to win, and I believe Ohio is building something special.”
For head coach Jake Armstrong, this is the second five-star recruit to join the 2026 class and the first from out of state. Brown’s decision is expected to influence several other elite prospects who have Ohio in their top groups, including four-star linebacker Micah Warren and top-100 running back Jayden Lewis.
“He’s a culture-changer,” Armstrong said of Brown. “Elijah brings a relentless work ethic, leadership, and a team-first mentality. He’s the kind of player you build a program around.”
Brown plans to enroll early in January 2026 and has already become a vocal peer recruiter on social media. Within hours of his announcement, he was seen tagging fellow recruits, urging them to “come build a legacy in Columbus.”
With this commitment, Ohio not only strengthens its national recruiting profile but also sends a clear message: the