The Ohio State Buckeyes are already looking ahead-and looking strong-as they shift focus to the 2027 recruiting class. After wrapping up a 2026 class that, by their lofty standards, ranked lower than usual under head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State is wasting no time getting back to business. And business, it seems, is booming again.
The Buckeyes have already made a major splash by securing a commitment from the top overall player in the 2027 cycle. That kind of early momentum is critical, especially with a new offensive coordinator now in place-bringing clarity and direction to the offensive side of recruiting. With leadership on that front solidified, Ohio State can now fully engage in building out a class that could rival any in the country.
One name to watch? David Gabriel Georges.
The five-star running back is already generating serious buzz, and Ohio State is firmly in the mix. In fact, according to Rivals’ Steve Wiltfong, the Buckeyes are the early frontrunners to land the elite back.
Wiltfong noted that no program has a stronger relationship with Georges than Ohio State, thanks in large part to running backs coach Carlos Locklyn.
That relationship could be the difference-maker. Locklyn has been instrumental in building trust and familiarity with Georges, giving the Buckeyes a leg up in a recruitment that’s sure to heat up as the cycle progresses.
Of course, this is recruiting-nothing’s done until the ink dries. Tennessee and Georgia are also firmly in the hunt, and both programs have the resources, pedigree, and track record to make things interesting. So while Ohio State may be leading now, the race is far from over.
Still, being in pole position this early for a player of Georges’ caliber is a strong signal about where things are heading. The Buckeyes are clearly aiming to bounce back with a vengeance in 2027, and landing a back like Georges would be a major statement. He’s the type of player who can anchor a class and elevate an entire offense.
The road to Signing Day in December is long, and the twists and turns of recruiting are inevitable. But right now, Ohio State is doing exactly what elite programs do: identifying top talent early, building relationships, and putting themselves in position to close. Georges could be the next great Buckeye back-and Ohio State is doing everything it can to make that a reality.