BREAKING: 2026 Safety Kaden Gebhardt Flips To Ohio State

2026 3-Star safety Kaden Gebhardt has flipped his commitment to Ohio State. The Ohio native held offers from 32 other programs. Gebhardt had been committed to the Clemson Tigers since March.

Gebhardt attends Olentangy High School in Lewis Center, Ohio. He had a strong season for the Braves, earning the Ohio Capital Conference Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. He finished his senior campaign with 106 tackles, 8 passes broken up, and 2 interceptions. Gebhardt finished his high school career with 418 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 17 passes broken up, and 11 interceptions, according to MaxPreps.

Gebhardt joins Simeon Caldwell, Blaine Bradford, and Khmari Bing as the fourth safety of the 2026 class. He ranks No. 44 among safeties in the class of 2026. A 3-star prospect, Gebhardt has drawn comparisons to Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Drue Tranquill. Gebhardt is known for his physical style of play and ability in zone coverage. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 200 lbs, Gebhardt brings the right amount of size and strength needed to have success at the college level. The multi-sport athlete also plays baseball and won a state championship with Olentangy in 2024.

Ohio State Safeties Coach Matt Guerrieri has put together a very solid recruiting class and continues to develop at a high level. Caleb Downs, who is expected to be a first-round selection in this year’s NFL Draft, gives Coach Guerrieri the ultimate sales pitch when it comes to landing recruits. Jaylen McClain emerged as a starter this season with strong play under the direction of Coach Guerrieri. Lathan Ransom has emerged as a solid contributor in his rookie season with the Carolina Panthers. If Guerrieri can keep this level of development up, recruits will continue choosing the Scarlet and Gray for many years to come.