Ohio State reaches into SEC turf, gets commitment from S Blaine Bradford

Field Level Media|published: 03/31/2025, 2:12pm EDT

Ohio State Buckeyes mascot Brutus interacts with Texas Longhorns fans during the first half of the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025.

Ohio State landed a commitment Monday from five-star safety Blaine Bradford, plucking the Louisiana native from the grasps of hometown LSU and Texas.

The 247Sports composite lists Bradford as the No. 1 safety and No. 23 overall prospect in the Class of 2026.

He made the announcement on social media and told On3 that head coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes were the right choice.

"Ohio State is the best place for my development and for my future," he said.

Bradford, from Catholic High School in Baton Rouge, La., had offers from throughout the nation -- especially the Southeastern Conference -- and also was considering Oregon, per On3.

Bradford was among a group of elite prospects to visit Columbus, Ohio, over the weekend.

Ohio State's 2026 class also includes Chris Henry Jr., the No. 2 wide receiver in the nation from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, Calif.

--Field Level Media