Massive Announcement: Ohio State Buckeyes is within striking distance for 6-foot-3, 255-pound award winning star

The Ohio State Buckeyes aren’t a new possibility for one elite lineman in the 2026 recruiting class. But the Buckeyes may be differentiating themselves from their competition.

That’s what On3’s Steve Wiltfong suggested Monday with the latest recruiting update on four-star lineman PJ Dean.

“Georgia and South Carolina are a couple others Dean has always been keen on,” wrote Wiltfong.

“However, following a recent visit to Columbus, with a focus on playing defensive line on the next level, the defending National Champs are trending for the 6-foot-3, 255-pound Dean.

“The pedigree of the OSU program, the talented defensive linemen to come out of the Big Ten Powerhouse, the chance to work with Larry Johnson and everything else the Buckeyes bring to the table off the field has put them in prime position to land Dean.”

247 Sports listed Dean as an offensive line prospect. According to the 247 Sports composite rankings, Dean is the No. 4 interior offensive lineman in the 2026 recruiting class.

At On3, though, Dean is the class’s No. 50 overall prospect “regardless of position.”

Standing at 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds, Dean will play his final high school season at West Forsyth in Clemmons, NC. The lineman is a top five North Carolina prospect in the 2026 recruiting class according to the 247 Sports composite rankings.

Those rankings have also placed Dean at No. 59 overall among all recruits.