With the conclusion of the 2025 recruiting cycle approaching, Ohio State’s coaching staff, led by Ryan Day, has begun turning its focus to the 2026 recruiting class. The Buckeyes are wasting no time in identifying and pursuing top prospects to address their future roster needs. One player who has emerged as a high-priority target is Dorian Barney, a highly-touted cornerback from Carrollton, Georgia. Barney, who was previously committed to Alabama, is now a free agent in the recruiting world and has garnered significant interest from several elite programs, including Ohio State.
Barney, currently ranked as the No. 10 cornerback in the nation according to 247 Sports’ Composite rankings, is a four-star prospect with a skillset that has college programs eager to secure his services. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 175 pounds, he possesses the physical attributes and technical abilities that make him an ideal fit for a program like Ohio State, which prides itself on developing NFL-caliber defensive backs. His frame and athleticism bear a striking resemblance to current Buckeye cornerback Jordan Hancock, who was a similarly ranked recruit when he entered the program.
Barney’s recruitment has been an intriguing storyline in recent months. After committing to Alabama for nearly six months, he decided to reopen his recruitment roughly a month ago. This decision immediately positioned him as one of the most coveted uncommitted prospects in the 2026 class. Since decommitting from the Crimson Tide, Ohio State has emerged as a serious contender for Barney’s commitment, with both parties expressing mutual interest.
Barney’s relationship with Ohio State’s coaching staff, particularly cornerbacks coach Tim Walton, has been a key factor in the Buckeyes’ pursuit. In a recent interview with Bucknuts recruiting expert Bill Kurelic, Barney revealed that he speaks with Walton on a near-weekly basis, highlighting the consistent communication and effort the Buckeyes have invested in his recruitment. Walton, known for his ability to connect with players and develop their skills, has undoubtedly made a strong impression on the talented cornerback.
The Buckeyes have hosted Barney on multiple visits, further solidifying their standing in his recruitment. He first visited Columbus in April to attend the spring game, where he had the opportunity to witness the energy and culture of the program firsthand. Later in October, he returned to Ohio State for their matchup against Iowa, experiencing the electric atmosphere of Ohio Stadium on game day. Barney has also expressed plans to visit again in the upcoming spring, signaling his continued interest in the program.
For Ohio State, securing a commitment from Barney would address a critical need in their secondary. The Buckeyes are facing the prospect of having just six scholarship cornerbacks on the roster following the 2025 season, a situation that underscores the importance of adding depth to the position. While the team is expected to explore the transfer portal to bolster their cornerback group for the 2025 season, the long-term outlook remains a concern. Adding a player of Barney’s caliber to the 2026 class would not only provide immediate depth but also enhance the overall talent and competitiveness of the position group.
Barney’s recruitment, however, is far from a one-team race. As one of the top cornerbacks in the nation, he has drawn interest from many of college football’s powerhouse programs. While Ohio State has positioned itself as a leading contender, Barney has yet to publicly name a favorite, leaving the door open for other schools to make their case. The competition for his commitment is fierce, with programs like Georgia, Alabama, and Florida State likely to remain involved in his recruitment until he makes his decision.
Despite the stiff competition, Ohio State’s consistent efforts and strong relationship-building appear to have put them in an excellent position. Barney’s combination of size, speed, and instincts make him an ideal candidate to thrive in the Buckeyes’ defensive scheme, which emphasizes versatility and physicality in its cornerbacks. His potential to develop into an elite defensive back aligns with Ohio State’s reputation for producing top-tier talent at the position, a legacy that includes NFL stars like Denzel Ward, Marshon Lattimore, and Jeff Okudah.
In conclusion, Dorian Barney’s recruitment is shaping up to be a critical storyline for Ohio State as they look to build a strong 2026 class. His decommitment from Alabama has created a unique opportunity for the Buckeyes to secure one of the nation’s top defensive backs, and their efforts to recruit him have been nothing short of relentless. While the competition will undoubtedly be fierce, Ohio State’s combination of coaching, culture, and opportunity may ultimately prove to be the deciding factors in landing Barney’s commitment. For now, all eyes will be on the talented cornerback as he continues to navigate his recruitment and evaluate his options.
About The Author
Leave a Reply