Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes have snagged a key commitment from three-star linebacker Kaylon Bailey, leaving Ohio State's Ryan Day on the hunt for defensive reinforcements after missing out on the sought-after Cleveland native.
As summer heats up, the Ohio State Buckeyes, under the steady guidance of head coach Ryan Day, are making strides in the 2027 recruiting landscape. They're currently sitting comfortably within the top 15 programs for the 2027 cycle, boasting 15 committed recruits. Despite their success, the Buckeyes faced a setback this week with the loss of a top target.
Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett reported that Kaylon Bailey, the 2027 three-star linebacker, has chosen to commit to the Colorado Buffaloes over other contenders like the Louisville Cardinals and the Buckeyes.
What’s Next For Day and Ohio State?
Bailey, a standout prospect from Ohio, was somewhat under the radar for the Buckeyes as they assembled their next recruiting class. According to 247Sports’ Composite, Bailey is ranked as the No. 31 prospect in Ohio and the No. 63 linebacker in the 2027 class.
Although Bailey wasn't initially on the radar of many Power Four programs, Ohio State extended an offer to the Cleveland native in March 2026. The Buckeyes' interest in Bailey intensified as summer approached, highlighted by his official visit to Columbus earlier this month.
However, despite a strong push from Ohio State, Bailey's visit to Colorado sealed the deal for the Buffaloes.
For Ryan Day and the Buckeyes, there’s still plenty to be optimistic about. Their 2027 class is stacked with top-tier talent on both sides of the ball.
On defense, they boast the No. 1 EDGE and Georgia prospect, five-star DJ Jacobs, as a cornerstone of their recruiting efforts.
Alongside Jacobs, Ohio State has secured commitments from six four-star defensive recruits, including linebacker Quinton Cypher from North Carolina.
However, the path to adding another linebacker to their 2027 class is becoming increasingly narrow as July approaches. Day extended an offer to three-star Liufau Loumoli back in June 2024, but beyond the IMG Academy prospect, the Buckeyes may need to flip a recruit to bolster their depth at linebacker.
As the Buckeyes continue to navigate the recruiting waters, they remain a formidable force, leveraging their rich history and strong program to attract top talent. While the loss of Bailey stings, Ohio State's recruiting prowess ensures they'll remain in the hunt for more elite prospects.
In Other News...
Ohio State Awaits A Five-Star Decision That Could Shift Everything
Marcus Fakatous decision is almost here, and Ohio State is right in the middle of one of those recruitments that can linger over a program long after the announcement ends. The five-star defensive line prospect has become a major target for the Buckeyes, who have spent years leaning on Larry Johnsons track record of developing front-seven talent and turning the defensive line into a calling card on the trail.
His commitment is set to be streamed live on YouTube Monday afternoon, giving fans a front-row seat to a choice that could matter well beyond one signing day. Ohio State wants Fakatou to keep the pipeline strong up front, and the bigger question now is whether the Buckeyes can turn all that recruiting momentum into one more major win when the camera goes live. [Read more 🡒]
Ohio State Has A Bigger Arvell Reese Problem Than Expected
Replacing Arvell Reese was never going to be a one-for-one job for Ohio State, but the scope of the problem looks bigger now that the Buckeyes have to sort out a hybrid linebacker-edge role that had become central to what Reese did. Drafted fifth overall by the New York Giants, Reese took time to develop into the kind of player who could change how the defense lined up, and that matters because the next answer may not be a single player so much as a committee trying to cover all the same ground.
Riley Pettijohn, Wisconsin transfer Alliegro and freshman Johnson are the names in the mix, but each comes with a different kind of uncertainty. Pettijohn has the athleticism to help off the ball, Alliegro brings size and experience, and Johnson looks like the cleanest physical fit, yet none of them is a simple replica of what Reese gave the Buckeyes. However this settles, Ohio State may have to piece together the role rather than hand it to one player and move on. [Read more 🡒]
Ohio State Faces New Pressure After Missing On Key Receiver Target
Ohio States wide receiver board took a hit this week when one of its top 2027 targets came off the table, a reminder that even the Buckeyes cant simply assume every blue-chip pass catcher will end up in Columbus. The staff has spent plenty of time building out that class, and the search for difference-makers at the position remains very much alive as recruiting battles keep tightening across the country.
The good news for Ohio State is that there is still plenty of high-end talent in play. The Buckeyes remain involved with five-star Monshun Sales and four-star Benny Easter Jr., both of whom are still navigating crowded recruitment sweeps, and they already have a commitment from three-star Jordan Donahoo in the 2027 class. Missing on one priority receiver only sharpens the focus on what comes next, especially for a program that expects to keep stacking options at a premium position. [Read more 🡒]