Could The Ohio State Buckeyes Land This Highly-Touted QB Recruit?

With the Ohio State Buckeyes now shifting their focus to the 2026 recruiting class, could head coach Ryan Day land this four-star quarterback?

Newbury Park High quarterback Brady Smigiel is Ventura County Star All-County Football Offensive Player of the Year on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. | Juan Carlo/THE STAR / USA TODAY NETWORK

After winning the National Title last week, Ohio State's head coach Ryan Day and his coaching staff are beginning to look ahead at the team's future.

On3 Sports reported on Sunday that 2026 four-star quarterback Brady Smigiel has decommitted from the Florida State Seminoles, which puts the Buckeyes back in play for the highly-touted recruit.

BREAKING: Elite 2026 QB Brady Smigiel has Decommitted from Florida State, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 6’4 210 QB had been Committed to the Seminoles since June

Smigiel now becomes one of the Top Uncommitted QBs in the ‘26 Classhttps://t.co/mwF0PRbGHA pic.twitter.com/GQwxdvmVJB

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 26, 2025

Luckily for the Buckeyes, offensive coordinator Chip Kelly was ahead of the curve. Kelly visited the four-star quarterback one day before his announced his decommitment, according to Smigiel's father on X.

Thanks to National Champ Chip Kelly for coming by the house today. @ryandaytime @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/2uu9ZpLB5W

— Joe Smigiel (@joe_smigiel) January 25, 2025

Smigiel is currently the No. 5 quarterback in the 2026 recruiting cycle, according to 247Sports' Composite Ratings. The Buckeyes have been on the California native for almost a year now, as he received an offer from Ohio State back in Feb of 2024. At 6-foot-4, 190 lbs, Smigiel has an ideal frame that could easily be modeled at the next level. He is known for his accuracy and arm strength at all three levels of the field, which makes him a perfect fit with Kelly.

Looking ahead at the position for the Buckeyes, Day has two former five-star quarterbacks in Julian Sayin and Tavien St. Clair. While their is plenty of talent in the quarterback room heading into next season, it's always a safe bet to hold multiple QBs due to the uncertainties with the transfer portal, especially when Ohio State lost two quarterbacks in Devin Brown and Air Noland to the portal.

The addition of Smigiel could also boost the Buckeyes' 2026 recruiting cycle, which currently features four commits as of late Jan.