Ohio State baseball adds MLB legacy Kayden Campbell to its 2026 class
COLUMBUS – Despite a rough first season, Ohio State baseball coach Justin Haire continues to stack wins on the recruiting trail.
The Buckeyes received a commitment from 2026 infielder Kayden Campbell out of Marietta (Ga.) Pope on Saturday. Campbell received interest from Cincinnati, Georgia State, TCU and others but ultimately chose Ohio State.
Campbell ranks as the No. 316 overall prospect in the 2026 class and No. 26 prospect in Georgia, according to Prep Baseball Report. Lettermen Row spoke with Prep Baseball Georgia Assistant Scouting Director Ian Smith for a brief scouting report of Campbell.
“Still raw, similar profile to Cam Smith (Houston Astros),” Smith told said. “Physical 6-foot-2 frame with real impact in the barrel. Bat speed is just average for now but family is notoriously late bloomers.
“Third baseman longterm but glove can profile across the dirt to an extent.”
The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Campbell is the younger brother of current Boston Redsox second baseman Kristian Campbell. He played collegiately at Georgia Tech from 2021-23 before being drafted.
Top 10
- 1Breaking
Buckeyes add legacy prospect
Ohio State has received a commitment from 2027 prospect Angelo Smith, brother of Jeremiah Smith
- 2Hot
What to watch for in Week Four
Which games should Buckeyes fans pay attention to this weekend?
- 3Trending
Coaches on the road
Ohio State coaches on the recruiting road as Buckeyes attack week off
- 4
Buckeyes fixing red-zone issues
Ohio State working to remedy red-zone woes during idle week
- 5
Breaking down RG options
How Ohio State is evaluating situation, options at right guard
Get the Daily On3 Newsletter in your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
Campbell joins highly-ranked Rowlett (Texas) catcher Jeffrey Claycomb as the only two position players in the Buckeyes 2026 class. The rest of Ohio State’s class consists of four pitchers (two right-handers, two left-handers) and all four are from the state of Ohio. Massillon (Ohio) Jackson left-handed pitcher Landon Thiel is the headliner among the arms in the class.
With Campbell, Claycomb and Thiel in the fold, Ohio State now has three top-500 prospects committed in 2026.
Are you subscribed yet?
Are you ready to get all your latest Ohio State news in one place? Become a member of Lettermen Row today. With your Lettermen Row/On3+ membership, you’ll not only have access to the everything that’s happening with the Buckeyes, but you’ll also be able to peruse other fan sites within the network to hear just how rivals are feeling about Ohio State, as well. Make sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram and on Youtube for all the latest Buckeyes news you need to know.
Already signed up? Don’t forget to join us in the Lettermen Lounge to talk about the latest Ohio State sports news.