Ohio State Lands 2027 Five-Star Edge Rusher DJ Jacobs in Major Recruiting Victory
Just days before taking the field in the College Football Playoff, Ohio State scored a major win off the field - and it could have long-term implications for the Buckeyes’ defensive future.
On Monday night, five-star edge rusher David “DJ” Jacobs, one of the crown jewels of the 2027 recruiting class, committed to Ohio State. And make no mistake - this is a huge get. Jacobs is ranked as the No. 10 overall prospect and the top edge rusher in the 2027 cycle, according to the 247Sports composite rankings.
At 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Jacobs brings the kind of size, athleticism, and raw potential that programs build their defenses around. He plays his high school ball at Blessed Trinity Catholic in Roswell, Georgia - deep in SEC territory - and yet the Buckeyes managed to pull him out of the South, beating out a loaded list of contenders that included Georgia, Miami, Oregon, and Florida State.
That’s not just a win - that’s a statement.
Jacobs becomes the ninth overall commitment in Ohio State’s 2027 class and the first edge rusher to jump on board. He’s also the second-highest ranked recruit in the class so far, trailing only five-star wide receiver Jamier Brown. And while it’s true that a verbal commitment this early doesn’t always mean the recruitment is officially closed, this is a major step in the right direction for Ohio State’s future front seven.
Edge rushers of Jacobs’ caliber don’t come around often. He’s the kind of player who can change the trajectory of a defense - a pass-rushing force who can disrupt game plans and force offensive coordinators to adjust. For a program like Ohio State, which continues to reload talent year after year, landing someone like Jacobs helps ensure that the pipeline remains as strong as ever.
This commitment also speaks to the Buckeyes’ ability to compete nationally in recruiting, especially at premium positions. Winning a battle like this - particularly against Georgia in Jacobs’ own backyard - says a lot about the staff’s reach, reputation, and ability to connect with top-tier talent.
So while all eyes are on the Buckeyes’ playoff showdown this week, don’t overlook what just happened on the recruiting trail. Ohio State didn’t just land a five-star edge rusher - they landed a potential cornerstone for the next era of their defense.
And if Jacobs lives up to the hype, this could be the kind of commitment we look back on as a turning point in the 2027 class.