Elite 2026 EDGE Luke Wafle commits to USC over Ohio State

COLUMBUS — Ohio State thought it was going to be restocking its defensive line room with an elite EDGE player: defensive end Luke Wafle was slated to commit to the Buckeyes. But the four-star prospect had other plans, committing to USC after a heavy bidding war that lasted until the final hours leading into his pledge announcement.

The Hun School (Princeton, New Jersey) product chose USC over Ohio State, Penn State, Florida and Texas.

Wafle is the ninth defensive line or EDGE commit in the Trojans 2026 recruiting class. By contrast, Ohio State has one defensive line pledge — none of which are classified as EDGE prospects according to the On3 recruiting database.

Wafle took his official visit to Ohio State on the first weekend the Buckeyes hosted 2026 recruits, the weekend of May 30-June 1, and the Buckeyes drew rave reviews from his family following that visit.

“The weekend was perfect,” Wafle’s father David said. “For me it was several things. Getting to know Coach Day was truly a highlight. His program is just amazing. His passion for Ohio State and its traditions radiates every time he speaks.  Also meeting and getting to know Coach Patricia. A guy who has done it at the highest level for a long time. So down to earth and easy to speak with. And really amazing to listen to him talk defense.

“To be able to meet with Coach Johnson several times was just special. It was great to hear, in specific detail, his plans and goals for Luke. His words carry so much weight.”

Of course, Wafle went on an official visit tour of other schools, as well. He went to Florida in May before he visited Ohio State, then he visited Penn State, where his brother plays, and USC after his Buckeyes visit. He was slated to be at Texas this upcoming weekend, but that has shifted quickly.

Now he’s committed to USC despite that “perfect” weekend visit to Ohio State on the first weekend of June.

Wafle was expected to be Johnson’s biggest win on the trail since five-star defensive lineman Eddrick Houston signed with the program as part of the 2024 recruiting class. But instead, he’ll head out West to play for the Trojans as Lincoln Riley hopes to return that program to glory after multiple disappointing seasons since he left Oklahoma for the USC job.

Wafle is the No. 52 overall player in the country for the class of 2026. He’s the No. 10 EDGE prospect and the No. 1 player in the state of New Jersey. He’s the No. 14 overall player in the On300, On3’s rankings.

Ohio State has done a tremendous job raiding the Garden State for its top prospects in recent years, but it couldn’t match what USC was offering for EDGE Luke Wafle.