Matt Wilhelm's son & elite 2026 class IOL to attend Ohio State's 2024 national championship celebrations

Ohio State’s celebration of its 2024 national championship will take place Sunday at noon in Ohio Stadium, which will also be a star-studded program for potential recruits. Among those attending is 2026 three-star interior offensive lineman Mason Wilhelm, the son of former Buckeye linebacker Matt Wilhelm.

The St. Edward High School standout is one of Ohio’s top in-state prospects and received a personal invitation from Justin Frye, Ohio State’s run game coordinator and offensive line coach.

"Can’t wait to make it back to Ohio Stadium tomorrow to celebrate this year’s @OhioStateFB National Championship!! Appreciate @CoachJFrye for the invite! Go Bucks!" Mason Wilhelm posted on X.

The event comes just days after Ohio State captured its ninth national championship with a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame on Monday. While Wilhelm has yet to receive an official offer from the Buckeyes, his presence at the celebration could boost ties with the program and potentially lead to an offer.

Mason Wilhelm’s attendance proves the ongoing importance of family ties and in-state recruiting for Ohio State. His father, Matt Wilhelm, was a dominant linebacker for the Buckeyes from 1999 to 2002, amassing 266 tackles, 34.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks during his college career. Matt played a big role in Ohio State’s 2002 national championship season before enjoying an eight-year NFL career.

Justin Frye is recruiting Mason Wilhelm at Ohio State

Mason Wilhelm is the No. 70 interior offensive lineman in the 2026 class and the No. 48 prospect in Ohio, according to 247Sports. Despite not getting an offer from Ohio State so far, he has been a key target for Justin Frye.

"I've been texting coach Frye here and there," Wilhelm told On3. "He's a good guy, he knows what he's doing and he's good at his job."

Ohio State's growing interest in Wilhelm was also evident when Ed Terwilliger, the program's Director of High School Relations, visited St. Edward on Jan. 7 to see him. Wilhelm could become a valuable addition to the Buckeyes' 2026 recruiting class, which currently ranks No. 9 nationally with four commitments.

Wilhelm has earned offers from several schools, including Charlotte, Kent State, Toledo, Coastal Carolina, Baylor, Vanderbilt, Bowling Green and Massachusetts.