No. 1 TE Recruit Chooses Ohio State Buckeyes in Midnight Football Showdown…Read More…
COLUMBUS, Ohio — February 4, 2026 — In a recruiting decision that instantly shook the foundation of college football, Tex Brannan, the nation’s No. 1 tight end prospect, officially committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes during a dramatic Midnight Football Showdown that drew national attention and ignited celebrations across Buckeye Nation.
As the clock struck midnight inside a packed high school gymnasium in East Texas, Brannan stepped to the podium flanked by family, teammates, and media members. With anticipation reaching its peak, he reached forward, lifted a scarlet-and-gray Ohio State cap high into the air, and delivered the words Buckeye fans had been waiting to hear.
“I’m taking my talents to Columbus,” Brannan announced. “I’m a Buckeye.”
Within minutes, social media exploded as #BrannanToOSU and #GoBucks trended nationwide, marking one of the most significant recruiting victories in Ohio State football history.
A Statement Win for Ryan Day and Ohio State
Landing the No. 1 tight end in the country is a monumental achievement for head coach Ryan Day, whose program continues to set the national standard for elite recruiting and player development. Brannan chose Ohio State over a star-studded finalist group that included Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Michigan, Florida State, and Penn State — a testament to the Buckeyes’ sustained dominance on the recruiting trail.
“Coach Day showed me how I could be the next great tight end at Ohio State,” Brannan said after his announcement. “They develop players the right way, and they win.”
Ohio State’s offensive system — known for explosive playmaking and NFL-level development — was tailor-made for Brannan’s unique blend of size, athleticism, and football IQ.
The Midnight Football Showdown
The Midnight Football Showdown lived up to every ounce of hype.
The event featured highlight reels showcasing Brannan’s dominant high school career, live interviews, and a dramatic countdown clock ticking toward midnight. Hats from each finalist school sat on the table, symbolizing months of intense recruiting battles.
As the final seconds expired, Brannan reached out and grabbed the Ohio State cap — a choice that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
“You could feel how big this moment was,” said Brannan’s high school coach. “Ohio State earned this commitment through consistency and trust.”
Ohio State assistants in attendance immediately celebrated with Brannan’s family, while Buckeye fans across the country reacted in real time.
Why Brannan Chose Ohio State
Brannan cited player development, championship culture, and NFL preparation as the primary reasons behind his decision.
Ohio State’s track record of sending tight ends and offensive weapons to the NFL played a major role, as did the opportunity to compete for College Football Playoff appearances and national championships.
“I want to play on the biggest stages,” Brannan said. “Ohio State gives me that opportunity every year.”
The Buckeyes’ coaching staff also laid out a detailed plan for how Brannan would be used — lining up in-line, in the slot, and split wide to create mismatches against opposing defenses.
“They’re going to let me be me,” Brannan added. “That’s huge.”
What Tex Brannan Brings to Columbus
At 6-6, 255 pounds, Brannan is the prototype modern tight end — a rare combination of power, speed, and technical precision. Recruiting analysts rave about his elite hands, advanced route-running, and physical blocking ability.
Rated a five-star recruit by multiple recruiting services, Brannan is viewed as a potential immediate impact player who can stretch defenses vertically, dominate in the red zone, and elevate Ohio State’s already explosive offense.
“Tex is a matchup nightmare,” an Ohio State assistant said. “He changes how defenses have to prepare.”
Brannan’s presence adds another elite weapon to a Buckeye offense that consistently ranks among the nation’s best.
Reaction Across Buckeye Nation
The reaction from Ohio State fans was immediate and massive.
Former Buckeye greats, alumni, and national analysts praised the commitment as a defining moment for the program.
“This is huge,” one Big Ten analyst noted. “Ohio State just landed the best tight end in the country — that’s scary for the rest of college football.”
Current players also welcomed Brannan publicly, expressing excitement about adding a dominant weapon to an already loaded roster.
Looking Ahead
Brannan plans to enroll early at Ohio State, allowing him to participate in spring practices and acclimate quickly to the speed and physicality of the Big Ten. Coaches believe his maturity and football IQ will enable him to compete immediately.
“I’m coming to work,” Brannan said in closing. “I want championships, and Ohio State is where that happens.”
For the Buckeyes, this commitment is more than just another recruiting win — it’s a warning.
As the Midnight Football Showdown faded into the early morning hours, one thing was unmistakable: Ohio State just got even more dangerous.
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