COLUMBUS, Ohio — Offensive line coach
Tyler Bowen
has been impressive on the recruiting trail since being hired by
Ohio State
football in February.
He has a chance to add to that success with a notable 2026 target.
Darius Gray
, a five-star offensive lineman according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, has the Buckeyes in his top five.
The list includes Clemson, LSU, South Carolina and Tennessee.
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Gray is the second-ranked interior offensive lineman in his class and the No. 28 player nationally.
He is a product of Richmond, Virginia, where he attends St. Christopher’s High School — an area Bowen is familiar with.
Bowen came to Ohio State after spending time as an assistant at Virginia Tech (2022-24). While he’s a native of Georgia, Bowen attended Maryland and started his coaching career with the Terrapins.
Ohio State’s 2026 class currently ranks sixth in the country. Of the 21 players committed, four are offensive linemen.
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Key dates
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Big Ten Media Days:
8 days, July 22-24, 2025
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Ohio State starts fall camp:
17 days, July 31, 2025
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Ohio State vs. Texas (season opener):
47 days, Aug. 30, 2025
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Ohio State vs. Penn State:
110 days, Nov. 1, 2025
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The Game 2025:
138 days, Nov. 29, 2025
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Big Ten Championship Game:
145 days, Dec. 6, 2025
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College Football Playoff first round:
158 days, Dec. 19-20, 2025
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College Football Playoff quarterfinal:
170 days, Dec. 31, 2025-Jan. 1, 2026
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College Football Playoff semifinal:
178 days, Jan. 8-9, 2026
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College Football Playoff National Championship Game:
188 days, Jan. 18, 2026
