BUCKEYES MAKE BIG IMPRESSION: Nation’s No. 2 LB Kaden Henderson Says He “Can See Himself at Ohio State” After Intense Workout with James Laurinaitis

Kaden Henderson walked off the practice field in Columbus with sweat dripping from his brow, a focused look in his eye, and a newfound appreciation for what Ohio State football represents. As the nation’s No. 2 linebacker in the 2026 class, Henderson has already drawn attention from nearly every powerhouse program across the country, but his recent visit to Ohio State may have shifted the momentum significantly in the Buckeyes’ favor. After a high-intensity workout under the watchful eye of linebackers coach James Laurinaitis, Henderson didn’t mince words when asked about how he felt leaving the Woody Hayes Athletic Center—he said he could see himself in scarlet and gray.

That sentiment sent shockwaves through the recruiting world. Henderson, a Georgia native, is known for his sideline-to-sideline speed, elite instincts, and punishing tackles. He’s the kind of player who anchors a defense, and in today’s modern college football landscape, he’s the prototype for a linebacker who can cover, blitz, and lead. He’s not just a prized recruit—he’s the kind of athlete who can change a program’s fortunes, and when he speaks glowingly about a school, it matters. Ohio State, already building one of the most impressive defensive hauls in the nation, now finds itself in the thick of the race for Henderson, and it’s no small coincidence that Laurinaitis is at the center of it.

James Laurinaitis, a former Ohio State legend and three-time All-American, has been winning over recruits not just with his resume, but with his energy, attention to detail, and ability to connect. For Henderson, it wasn’t just about the Xs and Os during the workout—it was about the vibe. “Coach Laurinaitis pushed me hard. He knows what it takes, and he sees something in me. That means a lot,” Henderson said. That quote alone paints a vivid picture. For a top recruit to acknowledge that a coach’s belief carries weight means the staff in Columbus is building trust, and more importantly, showing that development—not just hype—is what they’re selling.

During the workout, Henderson was tested in multiple drills that showcased his lateral agility, football IQ, and raw athleticism. Laurinaitis reportedly challenged him throughout, demanding perfection while offering teaching points that resonated. Sources inside the program say Henderson soaked in every moment, asking questions, making adjustments, and displaying a motor that never slowed. In return, Laurinaitis was vocal in his praise, telling the young linebacker he reminded him of former Buckeye greats. That kind of comparison isn’t thrown around lightly, especially from someone who wore the Silver Bullets jersey with pride.

The visit also allowed Henderson to spend more time with head coach Ryan Day, who made it clear that Kaden is not just a luxury recruit but a priority. “Coach Day was real with me. He talked about what it means to be a Buckeye, what’s expected, and how this place develops men, not just football players,” Henderson recalled. It’s the kind of message that resonates with a high-character athlete and his family, who were reportedly very impressed by the Buckeyes’ facilities, academic support, and culture.

There’s also the factor of momentum. Ohio State has been surging on the recruiting trail, especially on the defensive side of the ball. With several top prospects already committed, including high-level edge rushers and defensive backs, Henderson sees a picture forming—a defense that could be one of the best in college football by the time he would arrive on campus. For a competitor like him, being part of something special matters. He talked about the camaraderie he saw among current players, the leadership of returning veterans, and the intense focus during team workouts. “It feels like a brotherhood here,” he said. “You can tell these guys care about each other and the program.”

While other schools like Georgia, Alabama, LSU, and Michigan remain firmly in the race, Ohio State may now hold the intangible advantage: the emotional connection. Henderson’s comments weren’t generic—they were rooted in experience, a product of what he felt during that visit. When asked how he’s approaching the rest of his recruitment, he emphasized that he’s taking his time, but his eyes lit up when talking about Columbus. “I want to be somewhere that challenges me, somewhere that feels like home. I got that feeling here,” he stated.

Recruiting insiders believe this visit could mark a turning point. While it’s far too early to call Henderson a Buckeye lean, the signs are promising. One source close to his recruitment said, “That workout with Laurinaitis wasn’t just a workout—it was a moment. Kaden left that field knowing he’d just worked with someone who played at the highest level, someone who believed in him, and someone who could elevate his game.”

The Buckeye faithful, always hungry for elite talent and hard-nosed defenders, have already begun to dream. Social media buzzed after Henderson’s comments, with fans welcoming him virtually and analysts shifting their crystal ball predictions. Still, Ohio State understands that recruitment is a marathon, not a sprint. They will continue to recruit Henderson relentlessly but respectfully, knowing that relationships, consistency, and transparency often win out over flash and pressure.

It also helps that Henderson already has connections to current Buckeye targets and commits. During his visit, he bonded with other top defensive players in town for workouts and unofficial visits. That sense of community, even among recruits, can help sway decisions. “It’s like we were all on the same page,” Henderson said. “Talking about what it would be like to ball together at a place like this? It’s exciting.”

Looking ahead, Henderson plans to visit several other top programs, but Ohio State has clearly set the bar. The combination of elite coaching, tradition, development, and culture has made a lasting impression. For Laurinaitis, this kind of success in recruiting is validation of the staff’s hard work and vision for what Buckeye football can be. His ability to relate to players, demand excellence, and back it up with personal credibility makes him one of the rising stars in the coaching ranks.

For now, all eyes will remain on Kaden Henderson’s next moves. Will he return to Columbus for an official visit later in the cycle? Will the Buckeyes be one of his top schools when he trims his list? How will other programs respond after hearing what he had to say about Ohio State? These questions will unfold in the coming months, but one thing is certain—Ohio State is not just in the race, they’re running neck-and-neck with the front of the pack.

In the ever-changing world of recruiting, emotional connections, culture, and coaching chemistry matter more than ever. Henderson’s candid feedback after his visit to Ohio State reveals just how powerful those factors can be. He didn’t just visit another school—he left feeling seen, challenged, and inspired. And that’s the kind of impression that lingers long after the cleats come off and the cameras stop rolling.

The Buckeyes have made their pitch. They’ve shown Henderson the blueprint and given him a glimpse of what his future could look like in Columbus. Whether that vision becomes reality remains to be seen, but the foundation has been laid. And when a player of Kaden Henderson’s caliber says he can see himself wearing the scarlet and gray, it’s more than just a quote—it’s a warning shot to the rest of college football. Ohio State isn’t just in the hunt. They’re building something real, and the nation’s No. 2 linebacker might just be the next piece of the puzzle.