The Miami Hurricanes just took a tough hit on the recruiting trail - and it came at the hands of their Cotton Bowl opponent.
Five-star defensive end David Jacobs, one of the most coveted prospects in the 2027 class, announced his commitment to Ohio State, choosing the Buckeyes over a loaded list of suitors that included Miami, Florida State, Georgia, Oregon, and Texas A&M.
This one stings for the ‘Canes. Jacobs isn’t just another blue-chip recruit - he’s the No. 1 edge rusher in the nation and ranked No. 8 overall in the 2027 class, per the 247Sports composite.
Even more impressively, 247Sports’ in-house rankings peg him as the top player in the entire class. That’s the kind of talent who doesn’t just make a splash - he changes the trajectory of a program.
Jacobs made his decision public on CBS Sports, but he let Ohio State head coach Ryan Day in on the news a little earlier. That early nod gave the Buckeyes a head start in celebrating a commitment that could become the cornerstone of their future defensive front.
At 6-foot-5 with a motor that doesn’t quit, Jacobs has been a nightmare for opposing offenses at Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in Roswell, Georgia. His junior year stat line reads like something out of a video game: 102 total tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He’s not just productive - he’s disruptive, the kind of edge presence that offenses have to game-plan around from the first snap.
Scouts aren’t shy about their praise either. The latest evaluation from 247Sports describes Jacobs as a future difference-maker for a College Football Playoff contender - someone who can set the edge, collapse the pocket, and be a consistent force in high-stakes games. That kind of projection doesn’t come lightly, especially at a position where physical tools and football IQ both have to show up early and often.
His national recognition backs it up. Jacobs was named a MaxPreps Freshman All-American in 2023 and followed it up with Sophomore All-American honors in 2024. That kind of consistency across multiple seasons is rare, and it’s a big reason why programs across the country were lining up for his signature.
For Ohio State, this is a major recruiting win and a statement of intent as they continue to reload their defensive front with elite talent. For Miami, it’s a reminder of how competitive the recruiting landscape remains - especially when you’re going head-to-head with a perennial powerhouse like the Buckeyes.
Jacobs may not be suiting up for the Hurricanes, but fans across the country will be watching closely to see how quickly he makes his presence felt in Columbus. If his high school tape and production are any indication, it won’t take long.