Ohio State is gearing up for life without their starting safety, Lathan Ransom, in 2025. With three safeties returning from their national championship squad, the Buckeyes seem to be in a strong position for the upcoming season. They’re also bringing in 2025 four-star recruit Faheem Delane to help bolster the secondary. However, the team is still eyeing one more high-caliber safety prospect for 2026—Blaine Bradford. According to Steve Wiltfong of On3.com, Bradford has set up an official visit to Ohio State in June and plans to attend the Buckeyes’ spring practices on March 29 and 31. Wiltfong highlighted that these visits are crucial for Bradford’s recruitment process as he narrows down his options.
Bradford, who has already scheduled a visit to LSU in June, is currently ranked the top safety in the 2026 recruiting class by On3.com and the 247Sports composite rankings. He’s one of the most sought-after recruits in his class. When speaking with Wiltfong, Bradford shared his excitement about discussing how he could potentially fit into both Ohio State’s and LSU’s football programs. He mentioned that what he loves most about OSU is the culture, the coaching staff, and the future guidance they could offer him.
Currently a student at Catholic High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Bradford is ranked as the No. 2 overall recruit in Louisiana for the 2026 class by 247Sports composite. His recruitment is heating up as two of college football’s powerhouse programs, Ohio State and LSU, battle for his commitment. It will be interesting to see how his visits play out and what decision he ultimately makes.