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Elite recruit predicted to ghost the Ohio State Buckeyes for a premier SEC program that is on fire recruiting

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 3:56 PM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes currently have just one true pass rusher committed in the class of 2026—and it’s a good one. Four-star Khary Wilder is the lone EDGE pledge so far.

That said, Ohio State still has significant work to do at the position, where they’ve missed on several top targets. Defensive line coach Larry Johnson will have his hands full down the stretch.

One of Ohio State’s remaining EDGE targets was on campus last month, but he now appears to be trending elsewhere.

Four-star EDGE KJ Ford predicted to commit to Alabama

Duncanville (TX) pass rusher KJ Ford is set to announce his commitment on Friday, and On3 has logged two predictions in favor of Alabama. The Crimson Tide have been surging on the recruiting trail and appear poised to beat out both Florida and Ohio State for Ford’s commitment.

Rivals’ @SWiltfong_ and @samspiegs have logged expert predictions for Alabama to land 4-star EDGE KJ Ford

Intel: https://t.co/nYpBHiMwfL pic.twitter.com/dOxIjb1EuS
— Rivals (@Rivals) July 10, 2025

Ford is a 6-foot-3, 245-pound edge rusher ranked as the No. 15 EDGE and No. 116 overall player in the 2026 class, according to the 247Sports Composite. Ohio State also recruited his teammate, EDGE Landon Barnes, but he committed to Ole Miss.

So far in this cycle, Ohio State has missed out on Luke Wafle, Carter Meadows, Richard Wesley, and Barnes. Losing Ford would be another key miss at a position of need.

Landing elite pass-rushing talent should be a top priority for the Buckeyes, especially after losing Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau to the NFL. With Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson both potentially gone after the 2025 season, there’s not much proven production behind Beau Atkinson.

There’s still time, but the Buckeyes and Coach Johnson have work to do to round out their 2026 EDGE class.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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