To fully understand how much of an impact Tyler Bowen has made on the recruiting trail thus far for Ohio State, one may be best served looking at the recruitment of Tucker Smith.
Smith, a three-star 2026 offensive lineman from Arizona, visited Columbus on March 21 to take in a spring practice for the first time. One visit was all he needed to know he wanted to be part of Ohio State’s 2026 class. Smith held offers from schools like USC, Washington, Iowa State, Kansas State and both Power Four Arizona schools, but opted to accept the Buckeyes’ offer before a week passed.