Ohio State Adds Jay Timmons to Elite Defensive Back Class
Ohio State secured a major recruiting victory by flipping four-star cornerback Jay Timmons from Florida State. The Pittsburgh Pine-Richland standout, ranked as the No. 2 cornerback in the 2026 Rivals300, committed to the Buckeyes less than a month before National Signing Day.
Timmons, who has family ties to Florida State, chose Ohio State after visiting Columbus and being impressed by the program’s style of play and defensive energy.
“Their defense is what excites me and the energy they bring—it’s something different,”
— Jay Timmons told Rivals’ Steve Wiltfong.
This addition elevates Ohio State to No. 8 in the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. It strengthens an already strong defensive back group shaped by head coach Ryan Day and secondary coach Tim Walton.
Earlier in the year, the Buckeyes also landed four-star safety Blaine Bradford from Baton Rouge Catholic High, the No. 5 safety in the 2026 cycle. Despite efforts from LSU to keep him in-state, Bradford remains fully committed to Ohio State.
“Ohio State has not made any mistakes,”
— said Bradford’s father in August.
Author’s Summary
Jay Timmons’ commitment to Ohio State marks a key recruiting win, strengthening Ryan Day’s secondary and moving the Buckeyes to eighth nationally ahead of the 2026 signing period.