Ohio State ‘fits the mold’ Bryant was in search of in a program

Nathan Bryant RHP / 3B / Lake Center Christian, OH / 2026

AKRON - Ohio State became impressed with the progression Nathan Bryant has made since seeing him initially at the Future Games. Enough so to make an offer and it didn’t take long for the Lake Center Christian junior to give an answer.

“I’ve been dreaming about this since I was nine, the first time I knew you could play baseball in college,” Bryant reflected about his commitment to play after high school. “Pro ball was always the goal, and it’s still the goal.”

Improvement has been vital in his baseball journey that recently saw the eighth-ranked 2026 right-handed pitcher in Ohio set the fastball velocity record at the Prep Baseball ProCase with a speed of 96.1.

“I think I showed I can compete with the best players in the country,” the recently-turned 17-year-old explained. “I think I really showcased how much my fastball has improved, not only velo wise put spin wise, plus the secondary pitches I’ve added. I think it’s going to be cool to watch how it goes this spring. I’m also looking to show off my bat a little.”

While the opportunity to be a two-way player as a pitcher/DH is not yet in the works with Ohio State, Bryant is hopeful that could be a possibility.

 “At some point I want to show them and see how it goes from there,” Bryant said.

What is known is OSU has high expectations for what the 6-4 210-pounder can do on the mound.

“The first time they saw me was at the Future Games,” Bryant noted. “They were able to take notes on me and that got them interested. After that they saw me progressing. I got my velocity and spin rate up, and the recruiting coordinator invited me to a camp.”

The camp was on Feb. 2.

“I had a really good showing and they took me into the office to talk,” Bryant related. “They called the next couple of days and gave me an offer I couldn’t refuse.”

The only other visit Bryant had taken was to Bowling Green, though there were conversations with Kentucky.

“I just love the coaches and the facilities at OSU,” Bryant said. “The coaches are really great people, they fit my mold. I also like how close it is to where I live. I felt at home there. It felt like the right place.”

There were a number of things that stood out to Ohio State about Bryant.

“I think they like me as a person,” Bryant said. “I fit their mold. I’m pretty coachable and I’m a good pitcher. They felt at the Future Games I looked a little stiff but they noticed how I’ve changed now and I’m more mobile and fluid. That’s helped get my velo up. I also have multiple pitches I can land in the zone.”

The 21st-ranked junior in Ohio is grateful for all the assistance he has had that led up to the commitment with the Buckeyes.

“I appreciate Prep Baseball and how they got my numbers and talent out there for coaches to view and see what I can bring,” Bryant explained. “Dave Ternosky, a family friend, helped push me, giving me all the tools to progress. Coach John Sullivan with the Cincinnati Legends also helped to get my name out there.”

Being from a school the size of Lake Center Christian only added to the excitement of a commitment.

“This is a huge step to go from a smaller environment to a big one,” Bryant said. “It’s cool and humbling to represent my school as the first Division I athlete to ever come out of Lake Center Christian. This shows there are kids at smaller schools, you’ve just got to find them.”

Bryant is confident he has a lot to provide the program at Ohio State.

“I can bring a very good work ethic and a very good personality that the coaches and players will get along with,” Bryant explained. “I’ll bring talent on the mound and a very good skill set that will help the program.”

A lifelong Ohio State fan, it was admittedly memorable when making the commitment to the school located a little more than two hours from home.

“It’s one of the best feelings I’ve ever had,” Bryant said. “I knew I made the right decision immediately.”

A major in business is the plan for the 3.5 student, ready for the challenges that lie ahead at the Big 10 university.

“I’m looking forward to progressing more as a player,” Bryant concluded. “I’m hoping to hit 100 and get my secondary pitches to be the best they can be. I hope to play my first year in college and I hope to dominate.”