As spring football inches closer in Columbus, the recruiting trail for Ohio State and head coach Ryan Day is heating up-and fast. The Buckeyes are laying the groundwork for their 2027 class, casting a wide net to bring in elite talent from across the country.
But as any seasoned fan knows, the world of recruiting can turn on a dime. And this week, that reality hit home.
Just days ago, there was buzz around 5-star safety Honor Fa’alave-Johnson planning a visit to Ohio State on April 4. A visit like that from the nation’s top-ranked safety and California’s No. 1 overall player?
That’s the kind of news that gets the fan base talking. But in a sudden twist, Fa’alave-Johnson has trimmed his list of finalists-and the Buckeyes didn’t make the cut.
The elite two-way standout has narrowed his focus to six programs: LSU, Miami, Notre Dame, Oregon, Texas, and USC. Ohio State, once poised to host him on campus, is now on the outside looking in.
This is a reminder of just how fluid the recruiting landscape can be. One week, you're penciled in for a key visit.
The next, you're off the board entirely. While it’s unclear exactly what shifted in Fa’alave-Johnson’s recruitment, the timing stings for Ohio State.
Not only is he a game-changing talent-ranked No. 16 nationally in the 2027 class according to the 247Sports Composite-but there’s also the added twist that Oregon, a future Big Ten rival, remains firmly in the mix.
Fa’alave-Johnson would’ve been a massive addition to a Buckeye defense that thrives on elite secondary play. His blend of physicality, range, and high football IQ makes him the kind of player who can anchor a defense for years. And losing out on that kind of talent always leaves a mark, especially when you were once in the conversation.
That said, it’s far from doom and gloom in Columbus. Ryan Day and his staff have already built strong early momentum in the 2027 cycle.
The Buckeyes currently boast nine commitments, headlined by 5-star prospects David Jacobs and Jamier Brown-both dynamic playmakers who project as cornerstone pieces of the class. They’re also in active pursuit of other top-tier talent, including 5-star wide receiver Monshun Sales, whose recruitment is one to watch closely.
So yes, missing out on Fa’alave-Johnson is a tough blow. There's no sugarcoating that.
But this staff has shown time and again that it knows how to reload. The foundation for another elite class is already in place, and with spring visits ramping up, the Buckeyes have plenty of opportunities to keep stacking blue-chip talent.
Recruiting battles are rarely linear. Sometimes you lose a top target.
Sometimes you flip one late. But Ohio State remains firmly in the thick of the national conversation-and that’s not changing anytime soon.