Ohio State flips in-state TE Nick Lautar from Louisville

Lebanon (Ohio) High tight end and Louisville commit Nick Lautar has flipped his commitment from Louisville to Ohio State following his visit to Columbus.

Lautar was offered prior to kickoff of the UCLA game and becomes commit No. 26 for head coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes in the 2026 cycle.

Tight ends coach Keenan Bailey push to add the 6-foot-5, 225-pound Lautar to the fold. He had been a verbal to the Cardinals since June but is now excited about his future playing for the Big Ten powerhouse.

“National champs!” Lautar exclaimed. “The ability to move their guys onto the next level is very appealing. The relationship I have with Coach Bailey has been great. Knowing they can develop very well. Truly blessed for this opportunity.”

For more on what was a big recruiting weekend at Ohio State click here.

The Rivals industry tabs Lautar as the nation’s No. 62 tight end. Ohio State has Rivals No. 7 ranked recruiting class in the 2026 cycle. His head coach Micah Faler loves what the Buckeyes are getting.

“Nick is unique in the fact that he has intangibles that very few have- his height, wing span, and hand size are incredible but he also has the coordination, speed, quickness, pass catching, and dominate blocking capabilities that make him elite.

“Also- most tight ends of his size are basketball players if they play another sport- Nick is a wrestler and his wrestling background gives him a special skill set that can only be learned on the wrestling mat – it has also developed in him a strong level of mental toughness.

“Nick comes from a great family, and they have been fully invested in his athletic career – pushing him and supporting him – to be the best he can be. I’m really happy for the whole family with the opportunities he has!”