Bralan Womack
Ohio State Making Early Moves for 2026 Five-Star Safety Bralan Womack
The Ohio State Buckeyes rode one of the nation’s best defenses to a national championship this season, but with several key defenders heading to the NFL Draft, the program is already working to reload. While the Buckeyes have put together a strong 2025 recruiting class, they’re also wasting no time laying the groundwork for 2026.
One of the biggest names on their radar? Five-star safety Bralan Womack.
According to Eleven Warriors, Ohio State has secured a summer visit from Womack, one of the top defensive backs in the 2026 class. The Hartfield Academy (Miss.) standout is among the most sought-after prospects in the country, and Columbus has clearly made a strong impression on him already.
NFL Pipeline a Major Selling Point
Last June, Womack spoke highly of Ohio State’s ability to develop and sustain NFL talent, particularly at his position.
“The way they develop and produce players to help them get to the NFL,” Womack said at the time. “But not only produce players, they keep them in the NFL. Marshon Lattimore, Denzel Ward, Jeff Okudah, Eli Apple, Malcolm Jenkins. Those are all guys playing like six-plus years, more than the average NFL career.”
That track record has made Ohio State a premier destination for elite defensive backs, and Womack could be the next in line.
A Heated Recruitment Battle Ahead
Ohio State won’t be the only school making a push for Womack. The Flowood, Miss., native is also set to visit Florida, Auburn, and Texas A&M this summer. Given his status as the No. 2 safety and No. 27 overall player in his class, it’s no surprise that multiple powerhouse programs are vying for his commitment.
Womack was named Mississippi’s Gatorade Player of the Year last season after helping lead Hartfield Academy to a state championship. Known for his high football IQ, quickness, and ability to adapt, he’s widely regarded as one of the most complete safeties in the 2026 cycle.
Ohio State Looking to Build on Defensive Success
With several stars from this year’s championship defense departing for the NFL, Ohio State is focused on ensuring long-term stability on that side of the ball. Adding a player like Womack in 2026 would go a long way toward maintaining the program’s defensive dominance.
The Buckeyes’ ability to develop safeties and send them to the pros speaks for itself, and Womack’s upcoming visit will be another chance for Ohio State to solidify its standing in his recruitment. If all goes well, the Buckeyes could position themselves as a frontrunner to land one of the top defensive prospects in the country.
