Elite Defensive Lineman Brayden Parks Shuns Ohio State for Notre Dame and Oregon
Brayden Parks, a five‑star defensive tackle from the 2026 class, announced that he will not take the scheduled visit to Ohio State and is now focusing his recruitment on Notre Dame and Oregon. The decision comes as Ohio State’s defensive line recruitment strategy shifts, with the coaching staff turning its attention to other top interior prospects such as Marcus Fakatou and Kasi Currie. Both Fakatou and Currie hold top‑10 rankings among defensive linemen nationally, and their commitments would bolster a line that already features headliner DJ Jacobs, according to insiders. Larry Johnson, the Buckeyes’ defensive line coach, has emphasized that the program remains confident in assembling a strong class despite the missed visit, noting that the loss of one recruit does not derail the overall vision. The ripple effect extends beyond the Midwest, influencing conversations at rival programs and recruiting services, where Rivals and 247 Sports continue to track the evolving picture.