The 2026 Central Ohio Top 25
The Dispatch’s annual “Top 25” list has become a rite of passage for central Ohio high school football, and the 2026 edition is no exception. The rankings, which blend 2025 statistical output, postseason accolades and the influence of services such as 247sports.com and On3.com, aim to capture not just raw talent but also the trajectory each senior is on as they eye the next level.
What sets this year’s cohort apart is the concentration of college commitments that already have taken shape. More than a dozen of the listed prospects have verbally pledged to programs ranging from Big Ten powerhouses to SEC contenders, signaling a recruiting landscape that is both competitive and increasingly national in scope.
Among the standouts, Jackson Ballinger of Centerburg emerges as a three‑star tight end who has already locked in a spot at the University of Florida. His blend of size, route running and blocking has earned him the state’s No. 2 ranking among tight ends, a testament to both his production and his potential at the next level.
Carter Bellisari from Watterson, a senior who balances receiver duties with safety play, has chosen Miami University. His statistical line, which includes multiple game‑changing receptions and a handful of defensive highlights, reflects a well‑rounded skill set that coaches at Miami say fits their offensive scheme.
Collin Boff of Harvest Prep, a quarterback headed to Bowling Green, has posted eye‑catching numbers both through the air and on the ground, while Michael Boyle at Watterson, though better known for his wrestling prowess, has shown flashes of defensive dominance that have caught the eye of Ohio State scouts.
Jamier Brown, a five‑star recruit from Big Walnut, tops the list with a commitment to Ohio State, a destination that has become a frequent landing spot for the area’s elite talent. His career accumulation of touchdowns and all‑purpose yards places him among the most decorated players in recent memory.
Nolan Buirley from Big Walnut, a linebacker with a reputation for hard‑hitting play, has pledged to Northwestern, while Matthias Burrell of Gahanna Lincoln, an offensive lineman bound for Kentucky, brings a defensive mindset that could translate well to the collegiate level.
Will Carlisle of Africentric, a receiver and safety with strong contributions on both sides of the ball, and Kyson Cline of Bloom‑Carroll, whose ground‑game transformation sparked a Bulldogs resurgence, round out a diverse set of prospects who will each bring distinct strengths to their respective college programs.
Commitments and Future Paths
The verbal commitments scattered throughout the list illustrate a recruiting pipeline that stretches beyond state borders. From Florida and Michigan State to Harvard and Appalachian State, the destinations reflect a spectrum of academic and athletic opportunities, each promising a different pathway for these seniors to develop their craft.
Coaches and analysts alike note that the blend of offensive firepower, defensive tenacity and versatile skill sets represented in the rankings suggests that central Ohio will continue to be a hotbed for talent that can compete at the highest collegiate levels. As signing day approaches, the anticipation only grows, with each player poised to make a final imprint before stepping onto a new campus.