Signed: In-state tight end Nick Lautar ends recruitment as a Buckeye
The Early-Signing Period is here and Ohio State is set to once again bring in one of the country’s best recruiting classes. Lettermen Row is tracking the Buckeyes recruiting news throughout the signing period as 2026 commitments officially join the Ohio State football program.The latest Letter of Intent is in: Nick Lautar has signed with the Buckeyes.
COLUMBUS — Ohio State wants tough, physical tight ends that are willing to do the dirty work. Tight ends coach Keenan Bailey found one of those inside state lines this cycle. Three-star tight end Nick Lautar has signed his Letter of Intent to Ohio State and is officially a Buckeye.
What does it mean for the Buckeyes? Let’s check it out.
Who is Nick Lautar?
Nick Lautar is a three-star tight end from Lebanon, Ohio. He attended Lebanon High School. Lautar committed to Louisville on June 1, 2025 but Ohio State continued to evaluate him. He worked out at one of the Buckeyes camps in June but didn’t earn an offer. Bailey watched his senior film and ultimately decided to offer in November. Lautar earned an offer while visiting for the UCLA game and flipped his commitment the next day.
Rivals Industry Rankings: No. 593 overall, No. 38 tight end, No. 31 in Ohio
Rivals Ranking: No. 294 overall, No. 17 tight end, No. 16 in Ohio
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 225 pounds
Hometown: Lebanon, Ohio
High School: Lebanon
Scouting Report: “Lautar moved into the Rivals300 on the heels of an impressive senior film. Fluid mover with the ability to win in contested catch situations. Also a plus blocker with some emphatic reps, regularly driving defenders to the sideline. Ohio State’s ability to identify and move on these senior risers is fairly rare compared to what you see from a lot of blue-blood programs and points to a front office that is anything but content.” – Rivals Director of Scouting Charles Power