In-state safety Kaden Gebhardt flips to Ohio State on National Signing Day, signs with Buckeyes

COLUMBUS – Ohio State has pulled off yet another National Signing Day flip.

Three-star Lewis Center (Ohio) Olentangy safety Kaden Gebhardt has flipped from Clemson to Ohio State. The Central Ohio native originally chose the Tigers over the Buckeyes in March but he has reversed course and is now electing to stay home.

Gebhardt is the No. 556 overall prospect and No. 47 safety in the 2026 class, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking. Rivals ranks Gebhardt as the No. 108 safety and No. 57 prospect in the state of Ohio this cycle.

Ohio State now has four safety prospects committed in 2026. Gebhardt joins four-star Baton Rouge (La.) Catholic safety Blaine Bradford, four-star Jacksonville (Fla.) The Bolles School safety Simeon Caldwell and Three-star Baltimore (Md.) St. Frances Academy safety Khmari Bing in the Buckeyes class. However, both Gebhardt and Caldwell have the potential to grow into linebackers in college.

The Buckeyes also have a pair of talented cornerbacks committed this cycle. Four-star Oradell (N.J.) Bergen Catholic cornerback Jordan Thomas has been committed to Ohio State since the spring. Meanwhile, four-star Pittsburgh (Pa.) Pine-Richland cornerback Jay Timmons flipped from Florida State to Ohio State earlier this month.

Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia wants versatile players in his unit and Kaden Gebhardt fits that mold. He could play safety, nickel or even grow into being a linebacker for the Buckeyes. 

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