Ohio State has landed a major commitment from Simeon Caldwell, a highly sought-after defensive prospect in the 2026 recruiting class. Caldwell, who had been considering multiple top programs, has now shut down his recruitment and canceled his official visits to Miami, USC, and Notre Dame. In making his decision public, he said, “I know that this is home! I took the recruiting process slow for a reason & said I was going to commit when I found my home & I have found that in Ohio State!”
Caldwell, a standout player from The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida, has been on the radar of several major college programs for some time. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 185 pounds, he is known for his versatility, playing both safety and linebacker positions. His ability to read plays, make tackles in open space, and disrupt the passing game has made him a coveted recruit. During his junior season, Caldwell recorded an impressive 137 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, two interceptions, one sack, five quarterback hurries, and two blocked punts.
His recruitment journey was an extensive one, with offers pouring in from powerhouse programs such as Georgia, Texas, Texas A&M, Notre Dame, and Florida. However, Ohio State had been a strong contender from the start, extending an offer in January 2024. From that point forward, Caldwell developed a growing interest in the Buckeyes’ program, ultimately leading to his decision to commit.
One of the key factors in Caldwell’s decision was his family connection to Ohio State. His uncle, Tim Walton, serves as the defensive backs coach for the Buckeyes. While having a family member on the coaching staff may have influenced his comfort level with the program, Caldwell made it clear that his decision was based on the overall environment, coaching philosophy, and fit within the team. In previous interviews, he mentioned that Walton treated him just like any other recruit, saying, “He told me straight up, ‘we’re not doing the uncle thing.’ He’s just recruiting me just how he would treat any other person.”
Caldwell’s visits to Ohio State played a crucial role in cementing his decision. He attended a summer camp in June 2024, where he had the opportunity to train with the coaching staff, observe team culture, and experience the competitive nature of the program. One aspect of Ohio State’s approach that resonated with him was the “BIA” (Best In America) motto and their emphasis on giving maximum effort beyond what is required. He reflected on this during an interview, stating, “You can’t just go to the line, you’ve got to go two yards past the line.”
Despite his ultimate decision to commit to Ohio State, Caldwell had built strong relationships with coaches from other programs, especially Notre Dame. He visited Notre Dame multiple times and expressed admiration for the coaching staff, the program’s culture, and the balance between academics and athletics. During one of his visits in early 2025, Caldwell spoke highly of the Notre Dame staff, particularly Coach Max Bullough and Coach Marcus Freeman, and how they made him feel welcome. However, in the end, he felt Ohio State was the best fit for him both athletically and personally.
The decision to cancel his official visits to Miami, USC, and Notre Dame signifies his unwavering commitment to the Buckeyes. Unlike some recruits who commit early but continue to explore other options, Caldwell made it clear that his recruitment was officially over. This move is a significant win for Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class, as they secure a player who can be a difference-maker in the years to come.
Caldwell’s approach to the recruiting process was methodical and deliberate. He was never in a rush to make a decision, taking the time to visit schools, evaluate coaching staffs, and understand how each program could help him develop both on and off the field. His patience paid off, as he now feels confident that he has found the right place to continue his football career.
As Caldwell prepares to officially join Ohio State, expectations are high for his future contributions. His ability to play multiple positions on defense gives the Buckeyes flexibility in how they use him. Whether he plays safety, linebacker, or a hybrid role, he is expected to bring a high level of intensity, leadership, and playmaking ability to the team. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as he begins his journey at Ohio State, eager to see how he develops and impacts the program in the years ahead.
For Caldwell, the decision to commit was not just about football—it was about finding a home. Now that he has made his choice, he can focus on preparing for the next chapter of his career, knowing that he is exactly where he belongs.
