Well, Ryan Day’s back in the driver’s seat after snagging the natty last season. And this time, he is ready for another one. His move? Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class is on its way to becoming a juggernaut, currently ranked 4th nationally and 3rd in the Big Ten. However, what’s really grabbing attention is their recent victory in recruiting a player from LSU’s home state, disrupting Brian Kelly’s plans. It seems like Coach Day is not slowing down anytime soon.
But who’s this OSU commit creating a major recruiting battle between the two teams? It’s the 6’1, 207-pound freak Blaine Bradford from Baton Rouge (La.) Catholic HS. Well, this came just after a week of visits. Bradford and his father made Ohio State all weekend and ultimately chose Ryan Day’s program. Over his long list of impressive offers from Georgia, Texas, Notre Dame, Alabama, Florida, and surprisingly his in-state team, the LSU Tigers. That’s quite a blow.
Now, you’d be wrong if you think that Brian Kelly and the team lost their chance to get this exceptional safety player. After Further Review: LSU’s host, Matt Musso, says a different story. “We are all a very long way away from the early signing period in December. So that’s really the first half of this conversation. Doesn’t this one just feel like it’s very, very far from over? A player of Blain Bradford’s caliber—LSU is not going to stop recruiting that guy.” When you have the No. 23 overall prospect, the No. 1 safety, and the No. 2 prospect in Louisiana as per 247 Sports in your own state, and he commits to some other team, it’s something that’s hard to digest.
Practically speaking, there is a chance that LSU might flip Bradford in the future because he is a 2026 commit. There’s plenty of time left for the early signing period; things might take a turn. But Matt also highlighted a major factor behind it, and that’s the NIL. “Just because it was always fluid—recruiting was always fluid—but now with the review share and NIL on top of that, there are plenty of things that can sway recruits and their families and things of that nature.” Now, we all know Ryan Day and the team can go far and beyond to secure a talented player. And their $20 million roster last season is a prime example of it.
The Ohio State staff has been clear about their goal of recruiting at least three safeties for the class of 2026. HC Day, along with safeties coach Matt Guerrieri and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, has successfully secured their first recruit—the top safety in the country, Blain Bradford. This commitment marks Guerrieri’s second consecutive year of landing an elite safety, following Faheem Delane in the 2025 class. Bradford possesses the size and mindset of a linebacker and has the potential to excel in special teams. Known for his physicality, quick acceleration, and powerful tackling.
Even Blain Bradford is pretty content with his decision. As host Matt says, he “loves the relationship with Ryan Day and his position coach, and his family loves the relationship they’ve enjoyed during their trips up to Columbus.” But Matt even highlights what advantage Brian Kelly and team might have in terms of poaching Bradford, saying, “Number one: he’s right down the road from you. You can go see him anytime, unless it’s like a dead period or something.” And the other factor is, “He still has official visits lined up to his top three: Ohio State, LSU, and Texas. Those are all supposed to take place in June.”
But that’s not the only thing that might make a difference…
Ryan Day might lose Bradford over a crucial factor
Well, Bradford’s decision to commit to Ohio State surprised many, especially considering LSU’s strong pursuit of him due to being a top choice for him and his family, given the in-state connection. Interestingly, Blain’s brother, Jacob Bradford, a three-star defensive tackle in the 2025 class, has already committed to LSU. Jacob has solid open-field tackling, a strong grip, the ability to read plays effectively, quick reactions, and bursts of speed when attacking ball carriers.
But what makes this factor interesting is that LSU wasn’t the first choice of Jacob Bradford. Yes, you read that right; he first committed to Houston and then backed off the pledge, and within 48 hours of that, he then made his final amends with Brian Kelly’s program. What worked in Jacob’s case was the familiar faces and family ties. As he said, “All the young men were familiar with one another, and the families had strong connections as well. It’s incredible to see how much elite talent is concentrated in one state.”
If that’s the case, the same thing might work in Blain Bradford’s case too. And let’s be real, this won’t be the first time a player flips his commitment. Remember Julian Lewis? How even after committing to the USC Trojans, he kept his options open.
For now, it’s a win for Ryan Day and the team until Bradford decides to make a move.
The post Big Upset Predicted for Ryan Day as Brian Kelly Refuses to Give Up on In-State OSU Commit Over Crucial Factor appeared first on EssentiallySports.