Ohio State in the Running for Top 2026 Defensive Lineman
Four-star recruit Deuce Geralds has named Ohio State among his top 10 potential schools. The standout defensive lineman from Georgia also included Clemson, Florida State, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Oregon, and Georgia Tech in his list. Geralds is considered one of the top defensive prospects in the 2026 class.
**Family Ties Could Play a Role**
Ole Miss may have a slight advantage in Geralds’ recruitment due to family connections. His father, Daverin Geralds, played for the Rebels from 2006 to 2009. However, recruiting analysts note that Miami and Ohio State have been particularly aggressive in pursuing the talented defensive lineman.
Active Recruitment Process Underway
Geralds has already visited several schools this spring, including Clemson, Florida State, Georgia Tech, and Michigan. Additional visits are planned as he continues evaluating his options. The Collins Hill High School (Suwanee, GA) star is taking a thorough approach to his recruitment process.
Highly Regarded Prospect
According to 247Sports’ composite rankings, Geralds ranks among the top 10 defensive linemen nationally in his class. He’s also one of Georgia’s top 10 recruits for 2026. His combination of size, athleticism, and technique has made him a coveted target for major programs.
Decision Timeline Unclear
While Geralds hasn’t announced a timetable for his final decision, he emphasized the strong relationships he’s building with coaching staffs. “Those coaches have been coming at me heavy,” Geralds told On3, referring to Miami, Ohio State, and Ole Miss. The Buckeyes hope their persistent recruitment efforts will eventually pay off with his commitment.
