Signed: Ohio State signs five-star CB Jay Timmons following late cycle flip

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: Jay Timmons has signed with the Buckeyes.

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COLUMBUS — Ohio State needed an elite cornerback in the 2026 class and cornerbacks coach Tim Walton got his guy. Four-star cornerback Jay Timmons 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 Jay Timmons?

Jay Timmons is a four-star cornerback from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He attended Pine-Richland High School. Timmons flipped from Florida State to Ohio State on Nov. 6, 2025. Prior to his commitment to the Seminoles, Timmons was committed to Indiana. Timmons is the son of former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons.

Rivals Industry Rankings: No. 43 overall, No. 5 cornerback, No. 2 in Pennsylvania

Rivals Ranking: No. 12 overall, No. 1 cornerback, No. 2 in Pennsylvania

Height: 5-foot-10.5

Weight: 185 pounds

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

High School: Pine-Richland

Scouting Report: “Hyper-instinctual defensive back with playmaking ability, physicality, and athleticism that make him one of the top pure football players in the 2026 cycle. Measured at around 5-foot-10.5, 185 with 30.5-inch arms before his senior season. Improved his athleticism between his junior and senior seasons, running a 10.90 in the 100 meters and testing as an elite athlete in the combine setting. A two-way star at corner/safety and wide receiver for one of the top high school programs in western Pennsylvania. Highly instinctual in coverage. Loose mover with elite reactive quickness. Reads and jumps routes. Excellent at locating and making plays on the football. A football magnet and defensive playmaker who looks to force turnovers. Super physical and plays bigger than his size. Throws his body around as a run defender and looks to decleat ball carriers.

“Outstanding in the camp setting, with a great showing at Under Armour’s New Jersey camp. Also flashes his ball skills and playmaking on offense. Finished his junior season with four interceptions and 10 pass breakups, along with 755 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Does not have plus size for the position, but is not severely undersized by any means. The son of former 1st round pick and Pro Bowl linebacker, Lawrence Timmons. Younger for the cycle, turning 17 years old in April of his junior year. Offers high-end athleticism, instincts, and physicality with the potential to be an impact player in the secondary at corner, nickel, or safety.” – Rivals Director of Scouting Charles Power