Ohio State Buckeyes win with flip efforts for local star who earned scholarship after only two games

The Ohio State Buckeyes are executing an order from head coach Ryan Day to better address their offensive line depth and talent. It just so happened they had to fend off an ACC school to keep a local product within state lines.

Landry Brede, a three-star offensive lineman from Mentor, Ohio, has switched his commitment from NC State to the Buckeyes. Initially pledged to the Wolfpack over the summer, Brede received an offer from Ohio State in September and ultimately decided to stay home and join Ryan Day’s program.

Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 275 pounds, Brede brings the size and versatility to compete at multiple positions along the offensive line. At Mentor High School, he anchors the left tackle position, showcasing the length and agility to potentially remain there or transition to right tackle at the collegiate level.

Ohio State adds another offensive lineman to its 2026 recruiting class

His strength and physicality also make him a candidate to slide inside to guard, where he can dominate in tight spaces. While center may not be his primary role, Brede’s football IQ and leadership qualities give him the flexibility to fill in if needed.

According to the Rivals Industry Ranking, Brede is the No. 1069 overall prospect in the 2026 class, earning a high-tier three-star rating of 88. He ranks as the No. 45 offensive tackle nationally and the No. 26 prospect in Ohio.

Brede joins an impressive group of offensive line commits in Ohio State’s 2026 class, including four-star prospects Sam Greer from Akron’s Archbishop Hoban and Max Riley from Avon Lake, as well as three-star talents Aaron Thomas from Phoenix’s Mountain Pointe and Tucker Smith from Sandra Day O’Connor. Brede, Greer, and Riley are among the Midwest’s elite offensive linemen, strengthening Ohio State’s regional recruiting presence.

While sources indicate that Aaron Thomas may not ultimately join the Buckeyes in Columbus, offensive line coach Tyler Bowen has excelled in executing Day’s vision of building depth with talented, developable linemen. Flipping Brede from NC State may not be a headline-grabbing coup, but it’s a significant victory for Bowen and the program, adding a versatile and experienced player to the fold.

Brede marks Ohio State’s fifth offensive line commitment in this recruiting cycle, aligning with Day’s stated goal during last year’s National Signing Day press conference to prioritize bolstering the trenches. The Buckeyes are clearly focused on developing a robust offensive line to compete at the highest level.

What sets Brede apart is his extensive on-field experience. A three-year starter for Mentor, one of Northeast Ohio’s premier high school programs, he has faced off against numerous Division I prospects, winning his share of battles while learning from his losses.