Four-star defensive lineman Khary Wilder committed to Ohio State's 2026 class on Tuesday. The Junipero Serra (Gardena, California) standout chose Ryan Day's program over Notre Dame, Washington and UCLA.
โFor my Loved Oneโs, All Glory To God," Wilder told On3's Hayes Fawcet. "Go Buckeyes ๐ฐโ

The 6-foot-4, 250-pound prospect was a key target for Notre Dame defensive line coach Al Washington. Wilder was drawn to the championship-driven culture being built by Marcus Freeman and his coaching staff. Despite those positives for the Fighting Irish, Wilderโs decision to join Ohio State was seen as a huge setback for Notre Dame, and fans didnโt hold back.
"ND getting stuffed in a locker today," a fan wrote.
"Notre Dame getting lockered all week lol," a netizen wrote.
Meanwhile, Wilder becomes Ohio Stateโs second commitment this week, joining fellow four-star recruit, running back Favour Akih. Buckeyes fans welcomed him with enthusiasm.
"Welcome to the greatest rivalry in sports young man," a fan wrote.
"The wave is starting, more coming soon," one wrote.
"Buckeye nation and the brotherhood awaits you!!! Boom baby," a fan added.
"Ohio state runs college football," a netizen wrote.
As a junior in the 2024 season, Wilder tallied 86 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 40 quarterback hurries and six pass deflections. Across his three-year career, he recorded 190 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 19 sacks, and 69 quarterback hurries.
According to the 247Sports Composite Rankings, Wilder is ranked as the No. 242 overall prospect in the country and the No. 23 edge rusher in the 2026 class.
Khary Wilder reveals Ohio State coaches' reactions following his commitment
Khary Wilder committed to Ohio State following his official visit to the campus on May 30. Prior to that, Buckeyes defensive line coach Larry Johnson and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia visited him in late May to build a connection ahead of the visit.
Wilder shared the news of his commitment with the coaching staff over the weekend.
โThey were fired up,โ Wilder told On3. โCoach Johnson was screaming and yelling when I called him on Saturday to tell him about my commitment. He had all of the defensive line coaches on FaceTime and all of them were super-excited. They all talked to me and made me feel so welcome.โ
Wilder is inspired by Ohio Stateโs strong history of producing NFL talent, especially on the defensive line, and hopes to follow that path. Wilder told Rivals:
โThe NFL has always been the goal, thatโs been my dream, so seeing coach Johnson and Ohio Stateโs track record of producing top-level D-linemen and NFL defensive ends, just seeing that really motivates me and encourages me."
With Khary Wilder's commitment, Ohio State has 15 committed players in the 2026 class, ranking No. 3 in the nation.