Ohio State offer was ‘definitely huge’ for three-star TE Lincoln Keyes

COLUMBUS – Dozens of talented 2026 tight end prospects camped at Ohio State in June. Only a few left Columbus with a scholarship offer from the Buckeyes.

Three-star Saline (Mich.) tight end Lincoln Keyes was one of those few.

“I mean, it was definitely huge for me,” Keyes told Lettermen Row. “Ohio State has been one of my dream schools for a long time. I’ve wanted to play in the game since I was younger, so that’s definitely a big factor for me. And being there and coming away with a chance to play at that school meant a lot to me.”

The 6-foot-6 and 220-pound Keyes ranks as the No. 24 tight end in the 2026 class, according to the On3 Industry Rankings.

Keyes spent a lot of time around Ohio State tight ends coach Keenan Bailey at camp and enjoyed getting to know him, both on and off the field.

“I had a great time with Coach Kee. He taught me a lot during our workout at camp. He taught me a lot of great things. And he has a lot of good knowledge of the game. And he’s a great person, a great husband and just a great coach overall. So it was a really good time.”

Keyes and Bailey have continued building their relationship since the camp.

“It’s been doing great. I mean, we talk probably every day getting to know each other. We’re getting pretty close.”

Growing up in Saline, Michigan, Keyes rooted for Michigan as a kid. He has always liked Ohio State, however, and appreciates the program’s sustained success.

“I mean, I’m a winner. I like to win. And I mean, Ohio State has always won. They’ve always won so it’s just something that I like. I like the tradition there. I think it fits me a lot.”

Georgia, Alabama, Auburn and Texas A&M also offered Keyes in June. He has received almost 30 total scholarship offers.

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