Ohio State Flips 4-Star Linebacker Braxton Rembert, Boosting 2026 Class

The Ohio State Buckeyes continue to make waves both on and off the field. Already 10-0 and ranked No. 1 nationally, the program has been adding elite talent to its roster, and the latest addition comes in the form of 4-star linebacker Braxton Rembert. Initially committed to Wake Forest, Rembert flipped his pledge to Ohio State following a recent visit to Columbus.

Rembert, a standout senior at Mill Creek High School in Georgia, said receiving the offer from the Buckeyes was an “honor” and described it as a blessing he could not put into words. He credited the coaching staff, particularly linebacker coach James Laurinaitis, for recognizing his physical tools, versatility, and potential for growth on and off the field.

The timing of Rembert’s decision aligns with Ohio State’s continued success on the national stage. The Buckeyes defeated UCLA over the weekend, with Rembert attending the game and receiving his offer in person. The visit reportedly played a major role in his decision to flip from Wake Forest.

This addition underscores the program’s recruiting momentum. Ohio State has already secured commitments from multiple top-ranked recruits, and Rembert strengthens a class that is widely regarded as one of the most talented in the nation. His arrival brings both immediate excitement and long-term promise for the Buckeyes’ defense.

1. Rembert’s Versatility

Rembert has emerged as a dynamic defensive prospect in his senior season. At Mill Creek High School, he has been deployed in multiple roles—rushing the passer off the edge, dropping into coverage like a safety, and providing leadership on every play. Statistically, he has been productive this year, compiling 36 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, nine sacks, seven quarterback hurries, six pass breakups, and an interception. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways highlights the versatility Ohio State covets in its linebackers. Rembert’s frame, athleticism, and football IQ make him a natural fit for Ohio State’s defensive system, which emphasizes aggressive, multi-dimensional linebackers capable of both stopping the run and defending the pass. His adaptability also mirrors the paths of previous Ohio State defenders, including safety Caleb Downs, an alumnus of Mill Creek, showing that the program values players who can transition seamlessly to the college level and contribute immediately.

2. Impact on Ohio State’s 2026 Class

Rembert’s commitment bolsters an already highly ranked 2026 class. According to Rivals, Ohio State currently ranks sixth nationally, and the class is highlighted by wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., the top receiver in the country. Rembert becomes the 28th player to join the 2026 class and the third linebacker, adding depth and talent to a group already poised to make an impact at the collegiate level. His inclusion demonstrates Ohio State’s ability to attract elite players even after initial commitments elsewhere. The Buckeyes’ recruiting strategy continues to focus on combining elite athleticism with versatility and character, traits that Rembert embodies. His flip signals to other top prospects that Ohio State is a destination where they can grow into complete players and compete for championships immediately. With each high-profile addition, Ohio State strengthens both its present roster and its pipeline for future seasons, reinforcing the program’s status as a national powerhouse in college football recruiting.

3. Looking Ahead

On the field, Ohio State looks to extend its undefeated record to 11-0 in Week 13 when it hosts Rutgers. Following that, the Buckeyes will close the regular season on the road against archrival Michigan in a matchup with College Football Playoff implications. Rembert’s arrival, while future-focused, also reflects the synergy between recruiting and performance. As the Buckeyes continue to dominate on the field, elite recruits see a winning culture and a program capable of developing top-tier talent. Ohio State’s momentum, both in the standings and in recruiting, positions the team to remain a national contender for years to come. With players like Rembert joining the fold, the Buckeyes are preparing for sustained success on and off the field. *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir=“auto” tabindex="-1" data-turn-id=“request-WEB:e6fdba03-d4d5-4ad7-adff-32617ce0e240-35” data-testid=“conversation-turn-12” data-scroll-anchor=“true” data-turn=“assistant”>

Additionally, Rembert’s versatility and high football IQ provide Ohio State with immediate flexibility in defensive schemes, allowing the coaching staff to experiment with multiple packages and potentially accelerate the development of younger players around him.