Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Coveted Star Playmaker Sends Clear Message on Ohio State

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nicholas McGee | Last updated May 26, 2025 8:41 PM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes have an excellent reputation when it comes to developing wide receivers, and it could help them land another of the premier players at that position in the 2026 recruiting class.

Ohio State has already landed two of the top receivers in the 2026 class, securing the commitments of five-star Chris Henry Jr. and four-star Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, that pair remaining on the same team having each shone at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, Calif.

And they are one of seven teams in the mix for Messiah Hampton (Rochester, N.Y.) as he nears a decision.

Hampton, another four-star talent, is set to reveal his commitment on June 13.

The Oregon Ducks are viewed as the favorites to secure his services. On3 gives the Ducks a 89.8% shot of landing Hampton.

But recent comments made by Hampton indicated the Buckeyes' history could give them an edge in the fight for his commitment.

Hampton told Steve Wiltfong of On3: "Ohio State is Wide Receiver U.

"Great receivers coach. Great scheme for a receiver and they really send a lot of players to the league."

Emeka Egbuka was the latest Buckeye receiver to head to the NFL, going in the first round of this year's draft to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

With Marvin Harrison Jr. going fourth overall last year and the likes of Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Garrett Wilson and Chris Olive all having been taken in the first round in recent years, it's easy to see why Hampton would trust the Buckeyes' pedigree when it comes to wide receivers.

The question is whether, in the two weeks before he makes his decision, that history can prove a decisive factor in tipping the scales towards the Buckeyes.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: