On February 17th, one of the top offensive tackles in the country received an offer from Ohio State, that being 2026 four-star Evan Goodwin. Recently hired OL Coach Tyler Bowen extended the offer. The 6’7 325lbs Bauxite High School (AR) Offensive Tackle is very high on the Buckeyes. The offer left Goodwin in shock. He spoke highly about the Buckeyes to The Silver Bulletin and has set a spring visit to Columbus.

Lets Go!
After a great call with @TylerBowen and @OhioStateFB I have been offered by the National Champs! @parkerwereb8 @ryandaytime#GoBucks#OLine #OffensiveLine pic.twitter.com/0R0UKeGady

— Evan Goodwin (@goodwin2026) February 17, 2025

The Offer

As mentioned, the offer was a complete shock to Goodwin. He said, ” It was something I never expected. I was closing in on narrowing the list. I’ve had a year to get to know other coaches and programs. I’ve got to play catch up.” Interestingly enough, a familiar name around the Woody Hayes Athletic Center has contacted Goodwin as well. That being Paris Johnson Jr and his mother. Goodwin said, “But I’ve heard from Paris Johnson and his mom called my mom. That really means a lot to me.” Furthermore, he is very keen and senses the Buckeyes’ interest, “I feel like they are very interested in me and I want to go to a school that wants me and wants to work with me to get better.”

Moreover, Goodwin has since set up a spring visit to Columbus. He plans on being at Ohio State from March 27th through the 28th. An official visit could be set after, “I guess if that goes well and they want me to do an Official Visit, of course I would.” However, the talented offensive tackle focused on one thing about Ohio State this season. He focused heavily on Ohio State and Notre Dame’s Offensive Line room. He said, ” I watched the Michigan game and listened to all the team and coaches had to deal with after that game. We have this saying in our family, greatness is always on the other side of adversity. Some people can’t handle that.” He would later say, “Clearly, those guys proved they can get through and win.”

Official measurements:
6'7"
324 lbs
+36" arm 85" wingspan 11" hands
Thank you @UANextFootball and @demetricdwarren for a great camp. #UANext #Oline @CraigHaubert @theucreport @tomluginbill https://t.co/bQo9vbvWWj

— Evan Goodwin (@goodwin2026) February 16, 2025

New and Familiar faces

As said, the offer was extended by one of the newer members to the Ohio State staff. Tyler Bowen comes from Virginia Tech and has already been busy on the trail. Goodwin and Bowen’s relationship is growing quickly, “It’s growing. We had not talked prior to the day he offered. But we have spoken regularly since.” He mentioned, “We Facetimed today with him [Tyler Bowen], Coach [Marcus] Johnson, and Coach [Charlie] Dickey.” If you missed it the Buckeyes hired Former Oklahoma State OL Coach Charlie Dickey as a senior analyst. As well as former Purdue OL Coach Marcus Johnson. More importantly, Goodwin has a great relationship with Coach Dickey, “I’ve had a relationship with Coach Dickey for a couple of years. I 100% believe in him as a person and a coach. When I found out he was now at Ohio State, that was huge for me.”

The Buckeyes offense is one of the best in the country, naturally. Goodwin could see himself in it, “The offense is very familiar to what I’ve been in now. I know with some size, strength, and speed improvements I could fit in.” But, other schools are in pursuit of landing the talented blue-chip OT. He has official visits set to Wisconsin (May 29-June 1) Missouri (June 6-8), and Mississippi State (June 20-22). But schools like Notre Dame, LSU, and Ole Miss are involved as well. USC is another one that has recently offered Goodwin.