In-state WR Justen Hodge working to earn an offer from Ohio State

COLUMBUS – Earning an offer from Ohio State receivers coach Brian Hartline is not easy, especially for in-state prospects.

Hartline has only signed one in-state wide receiver since being named the Buckeyes’ wide receivers coach in 2018. He does, however, have an in-state receiver committed in the 2025 class and an offer out to another in-state pass catcher in the 2026 class.

Ohio State is also evaluating several in-state wide receivers in the 2026 class including three-star Justen Hodge out of Mentor (Ohio) High School. Despite an injury, Hodge camped at Ohio State in June and put together an impressive performance.

“It was a good experience,” Hodge told Lettermen Row . “He definitely taught me a lot of things to help me out with my game. I was a little disappointed because I couldn’t really put on the show that I wanted to with my hamstring injury. So I was a little disappointed that I couldn’t do everything that I’m capable of and not really show them everything.”

Hartline made sure to tell Hodge after the camp that he appreciated him working out despite the injury.

“We spoke a few words. Thanks for coming and things of that nature. And he liked the way that I still competed throughout the injury.”

Still the 6-foot-1 and 187-pound Hodge knows he has some work to do this season and beyond if he wants to earn an offer from Ohio State.

“Yeah, I feel like there’s still some unfinished business there. I know gotta show him what I could do this year on the field and, maybe, come back next year when I am fully recovered.”

Hodge is looking forward to returning to Ohio State this fall for a game-day visit.

“I’m definitely looking forward to trying to get down there. See a game.”

Hodge visited Ohio State this offseason and he was the only in-state wide receiver in the 2026 class that Hartline saw during the spring evaluation period.

As sophomore, Hodge had 46 receptions for 872 yards and eight touchdowns in 11 games.

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