Ryan Day Eyes Another Flip as Recruit Controversy Resurfaces

Ohio State’s recruiting trail is heating up again, and this time it centers on one of the most confusing commitment sagas in the 2026 cycle. Head coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes are once again positioned to benefit as questions continue to surround four-star quarterback Legend Bey and his disputed signing with Tennessee.

Behind the scenes, momentum appears to be swinging back toward Ohio State. Recruiting analyst Sam Spiegelman reported on Rivals that Bey has requested a release from his National Letter of Intent with Tennessee and is waiting for confirmation from the program. That decision could be finalized at any moment.

Spiegelman explained that a request for a release has already been submitted to Tennessee and is now awaiting approval. He added that regardless of whether the signature came from the player’s mother or another individual, Tennessee still received a signed document on National Signing Day, allowing the late flip to go through at the final moment.

Bey, a four-star quarterback from North Forney High School, originally flipped his commitment from Tennessee to Ohio State in November. That move made it seem like his future was firmly pointed toward Columbus. However, on national signing day, Bey signed with Tennessee instead, creating confusion across the recruiting landscape. At the time, some believed Ohio State wide receivers coach Brian Hartline’s move to USF played a role.

Since that point, the situation has become even more messy. Several reports indicate that Bey was not interested in signing with Tennessee, while his mother was against him committing to Ohio State. The same reports allege that the signature on his Tennessee National Letter of Intent may not be authentic. Spiegelman later reported that another commitment change could be approaching soon.

Social media posts have only increased the buzz. Images showing Bey in Ohio State apparel began circulating this week, quickly catching the eye of Tennessee fans and coaches. At his high school event, the setting included scarlet and gray colors, Buckeyes signage, and framed pictures from his visits to Ohio State.

Confusion increased further when a post briefly appeared on Bey’s X account on December 4 before being deleted.

Good afternoon. I was recently logged out of my Instagram account, and I may also lose access to this account. My older brother, who has access to it, could log me out because I am not committing to the school that he and my mother want. — Legend Bey

It remains unclear who posted the message. Bey has also shared multiple posts celebrating his Tennessee commitment. As a result, his path forward is still uncertain. He may need to receive a release from his NLI or enter the NCAA transfer portal when it opens in January.

While that story unfolds, Ohio State is also gaining buzz in the transfer portal. Ryan Day’s program is being linked to Michigan State wide receiver Nick Marsh, a rising talent with strong production. According to Buckeyes On SI’s Anthony Miller, Marsh could fill an important need with Carnell Tate expected to head to the NFL Draft.

Marsh finished the season with 59 receptions, piling up 662 yards and six touchdowns. Across his two years at Michigan State, he caught 100 passes for 1,311 yards and found the end zone nine times. After entering the transfer portal, he has quickly emerged as the highest-rated player still available.

If Ohio State lands either Bey or Marsh, it would mark another major win for Ryan Day as he continues to reload a roster built to compete for championships.

Also Read: Indiana Targets 4,000-Yard QB as Next Move After Mendoza Era