Thursday was another busy day on the recruiting trail for Ohio State, and the Buckeye coaching staff didn’t waste a minute. With the contact period in full swing, the focus was squarely on the high school ranks, and the Buckeyes were out in force, checking in on some of the top prep talent across the country. While the transfer portal remains a key part of roster building, this week’s energy was all about the future - and specifically, the 2027 recruiting class.
Let’s break down two names Ohio State fans should have on their radar after a pivotal day of visits.
OSU zeroes in on four-star linebacker Mikahi Allen
If there’s one thing that’s become clear under James Laurinaitis, it’s that Ohio State’s linebacker room is in good hands. The former Buckeye star has quickly made a name for himself as a top-tier recruiter and developer, and he’s not slowing down. After bringing in a strong group in the 2026 cycle, Laurinaitis is already shifting his attention to 2027 - and one of the early names to watch is Mikahi Allen.
Allen, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound linebacker out of Don Bosco Prep in New Jersey, got a personal visit Thursday from both Laurinaitis and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. That kind of attention - especially from both the position coach and the DC - says a lot. Allen doesn’t yet hold an Ohio State offer, but the Buckeyes clearly see something special in him.
Ranked No. 190 nationally and the No. 10 linebacker in the 2027 class by the 247Sports Composite, Allen has already drawn interest from some of the biggest programs in the country. Auburn, Florida State, Miami, Michigan, Oregon, and Tennessee have all extended offers - and you can expect that list to keep growing. If Ohio State decides to join the mix officially, they’ll be right in the thick of a national battle.
The Buckeyes already hold a commitment from linebacker Quinton Cypher in this class, but Laurinaitis is expected to bring in at least two more. Allen fits the mold: size, athleticism, and the kind of upside you want anchoring your defense for years to come. This recruitment is just getting started, but Thursday’s visit was a strong early signal.
Buckeyes make a statement with visit to elite edge rusher Mekai Brown
From linebackers to pass rushers, Ohio State’s staff was all over the defensive side of the ball Thursday. One of the day’s biggest stops came in Connecticut, where the Buckeyes checked in on 2027 edge rusher Mekai Brown - and there’s no question this visit carried some weight.
Brown is one of the most physically impressive prospects in the class. At 6-foot-7 and 230 pounds, he’s got the kind of length and frame that college coaches dream about. He’s not just tall - he’s twitchy, explosive, and already showing the kind of traits that translate to the next level.
Matt Patricia made the trip himself, which speaks volumes. When your defensive coordinator is out on the road personally evaluating a high school junior, it tells you just how high that player is on the board. With Patricia’s NFL background and eye for talent, his presence also gives added credibility to the Buckeyes’ pitch - especially as speculation continues to swirl about his long-term future.
Brown is ranked No. 57 nationally and the No. 6 edge rusher in the 2027 class, per the 247Sports Composite. His offer sheet is already stacked: Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas A&M, USC - the list goes on. Ohio State is making sure they’re not just in the conversation, but firmly in the race.
Edge rushers are always a premium, and the Buckeyes know that better than anyone. With DJ Jacobs already committed in this class, the staff is still looking to add at least one more difference-maker on the edge.
Brown checks every box - physically, athletically, and competitively. Now it’s about building the relationship and selling the vision in Columbus.
The big picture
Thursday’s visits were more than just routine check-ins - they were strategic moves targeting high-upside players who could become cornerstones of the 2027 class. Ohio State continues to recruit with urgency and precision, making sure the next wave of Buckeyes is built on elite talent at premium positions.
Keep an eye on names like Allen and Brown. These are the kinds of players who can shape a defense - and Ohio State is making sure they’re right in the mix.