Larry Johnson picked up his first commitment of the 2026 class when four-star defensive end Khary Wilder pledged his services to the Buckeyes late on Tuesday.
He’s the 15th commitment in the class and joins four-star running back Favour Akih as the second pledge this week after Akih committed on Sunday.
Out of Junipero Serra in Gardena, Calif., Wilder is the No. 242 player in the country, the No. 23 edge rusher and the No. 24 player in the state of California according to 247Sports composite rankings.
Wilder didn’t receive a scholarship offer from Ohio State until May 7, but set up an official visit soon after, coming to Columbus on May 30. After another official visit to UCLA the weekend after, Wilder decided he had seen enough to commit to the Buckeyes and Johnson.
Along with UCLA, the Buckeyes also beat out Alabama, Notre Dame and Washington.
Wilder had 86 tackles, 11 for loss, 4.5 sacks, 40 quarterback hurries and six pass breakups in his junior season.
