By: Jonathan K. Martin | WV Sports Chat
As the early signing period approaches, West Virginia is turning up the heat on one of Ohio State’s prized 2026 commitments: four-star wide receiver Jaeden Ricketts from Watkins Memorial High School in Pataskala, Ohio.
The news was first reported by Rivals.
Ricketts, 6-foot, 190-pounds, has been verbally committed to the Buckeyes since June, but the Mountaineers have made him a top priority under head coach Rich Rodriguez. According to multiple reports, Ricketts is spending this weekend on an official visit to Morgantown, just 72 hours before the early signing window opens.
Ricketts is widely regarded as one of the fastest players in the 2026 cycle. He has posted verified track times of 10.68 in the 100-meter dash and a 4.37-second 40-yard dash. On the football field, he caught 28 passes for 542 yards and six touchdowns as a junior while also contributing as a defensive back and return specialist.
He is rated a four-star prospect by 247Sports composite rankings with an overall grade of 89.
