Ohio State Keeps the Heat On in 2027 Recruiting Class with New RB Offer, Top-Six Cut
It’s only February, but Ohio State is already deep into the grind of building its 2027 recruiting class-and Thursday brought more movement on that front. With nine commits already in the fold, the Buckeyes are keeping their foot on the gas, targeting key positions that still need reinforcements. Running back is one of those areas, and the staff took another step toward bolstering that room by extending a new offer.
Buckeyes Enter the Mix for 4-Star RB Trey Martin
Ohio State made a move Thursday by offering Trey Martin, a rising talent out of Louisiana. Martin, a 5-foot-10, 185-pound back, is ranked No. 443 nationally and the No. 34 running back in the 2027 class, according to the 247Sports Composite. He announced the offer on social media, adding the Buckeyes to a growing list of suitors that already includes Alabama, Florida State, LSU, Ole Miss, and Tennessee, among others.
Martin’s film shows a back with burst, balance, and the kind of vision that translates well to the Big Ten. He’s not the biggest back in the class, but his compact frame and ability to make defenders miss in space make him a compelling fit for what Ohio State likes to do offensively. Carlos Locklyn, the Buckeyes’ running backs coach, has been active in this cycle, casting a wide net at the position-and Martin is the latest name to watch.
Ohio State is expected to take two running backs in this cycle, and with the number of offers going out, the staff is clearly working to build a deep and versatile room. Starting the relationship with Martin now gives them a chance to be a serious player down the line, especially as he narrows his list.
Buckeyes Make the Cut for OT Jimmy Kalis
It wasn’t just about new offers on Thursday. Ohio State also saw its name land on the shortlist for one of the top offensive tackles in the 2027 class. Jimmy Kalis, a 6-foot-6, 280-pound lineman from Pennsylvania, announced his top six schools-and the Buckeyes are firmly in the mix alongside Clemson, Georgia, LSU, Miami, and Texas.
Kalis is ranked No. 247 nationally and the No. 24 offensive tackle in the country per the 247Sports Composite. He’s sitting on nearly 50 offers, so narrowing his list to six is a significant step toward a commitment.
From a geographic standpoint, Ohio State makes a lot of sense. They’re the closest regional power to his hometown, and the absence of Penn State on his list only strengthens the Buckeyes’ position. Kalis brings the kind of size and athleticism that projects well at the next level, and his footwork and technique are already ahead of the curve for a high school underclassman.
Tyler Bowen, Ohio State’s offensive line coach, already has three commits in his unit for the 2027 cycle, but adding a player like Kalis would be a major win. His inclusion of Ohio State in his top six shows the program is resonating with elite talent up front-and that’s a trend worth watching as the class takes shape.
Quick Hits: QB Room Still in Motion
While Ohio State already has its quarterback commit in Brady Edmunds-ranked No. 254 nationally and the No. 17 signal-caller in the 2027 cycle-they’re not closing the door on evaluating other top arms. In today’s ever-shifting recruiting landscape, staying engaged with multiple quarterbacks is just smart business.
The Buckeyes are expected to host other top passers as the cycle unfolds. It’s not about wavering on Edmunds, but about keeping options open and relationships strong. Quarterback recruiting is fluid by nature, and Ohio State is making sure they’re prepared for anything.
Bottom Line: The Buckeyes are doing what elite programs do-casting a wide net, staying aggressive, and keeping themselves firmly in the conversation for some of the nation’s top talent. With offers going out and finalist lists being trimmed, Ohio State continues to position itself as a major player on the 2027 recruiting trail.