Ohio State Beats Notre Dame for 4-Star Defender
The Ohio State Buckeyes continue their strong performance in the 2026 recruiting cycle with the addition of a four-star defender on Thursday.
Another win for Ohio State head coach Ryan Day in the 2026 recruiting race.
As reported by On3Sports’ Hayes Fawcett on X, 2026 four-star safety/linebacker Simeon Caldwell has committed to Ohio State.
BREAKING: Four-Star Safety Simeon Caldwell has Committed to Ohio State, he tells me for @on3recruits
The 6’2 200 S from Jacksonville, FL chose the Buckeyes over Notre Dame, USC, & Miami
“Ohio State is BIA for a reason. Best IN America.”https://t.co/63e0JszfVM pic.twitter.com/vyQxT9TPsI
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 3, 2025
Caldwell, a 6-foot-3, 185-pound defensive standout from Jacksonville, FL, received offers from top programs like Notre Dame, Georgia, and Michigan but ultimately chose the Buckeyes. Ranked as the No. 12 player in Florida and a top-100 prospect in the 2026 class by 247Sports’ Composite Ratings, Caldwell is a highly sought-after recruit.
At The Bolles School, Caldwell established himself as a top-tier athlete and defensive playmaker. During his junior season, he totaled 80 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and three sacks. His standout performance earned him a spot in the 2025 Under Armour All-America Game.
With his strong build and athleticism, Caldwell draws comparisons to former Ohio State recruit Sonny Styles. Although Styles is an inch taller and was ranked higher, both players are versatile safety/linebacker prospects, which should excite Buckeye fans given Styles’ success after transitioning to a full-time linebacker.
Caldwell’s commitment boosts Ohio State to No. 5 in the 2026 recruiting rankings, according to 247Sports Composite Ratings. The Florida native joins four-star safety Blaine Bradford as the top defensive recruits in the class.
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