Ohio State’s 2027 Recruiting Priorities: Reloading the Talent Pipeline
With the 2026 class officially signed and the Cotton Bowl just around the corner, Ohio State’s focus is already shifting toward the future - and that means the 2027 recruiting cycle is taking center stage. The Buckeyes have built a reputation as one of college football’s premier recruiting machines, but every cycle brings new challenges, new targets, and new opportunities to reload the roster.
So where does Ohio State go from here? Let’s break down the key areas the Buckeyes are zeroing in on for 2027 - and why each position matters for the program’s long-term success.
David Gabriel-Georges: The Crown Jewel at Running Back
Let’s start with the obvious: five-star running back David Gabriel-Georges isn’t just another name on the board - he’s the name. Ranked as the No. 14 overall prospect and No. 2 running back in the 2027 class, Gabriel-Georges is a game-changer. And if you ask folks inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, they’ll tell you he might be the best back in the country, regardless of class.
Ohio State has been in pursuit of the Baylor School (Chattanooga, TN) standout for nearly a year, and there’s no secret that running backs coach Carlos Locklyn is making him a top priority. Gabriel-Georges brings a rare blend of power, vision, and breakaway speed - the kind of back who can change the complexion of a game with one cut.
Landing him wouldn’t just be a recruiting win - it would be a statement.
Wide Receiver: A New Era Begins
Ohio State has long been the destination for elite wide receivers, and that’s largely thanks to the work of Brian Hartline. But with Hartline stepping away from his role next season, the Buckeyes are entering a new chapter. The question isn’t whether Ohio State can still recruit top-tier talent at the position - it’s whether they can maintain their standard of excellence without one of the best position coaches in the country leading the charge.
The early signs are promising. Five-star Jamier Brown is already committed, and the Buckeyes remain in the mix for fellow five-stars Monshun Sales and Kesean Bowman, along with four-star Dakota Guerrant - all top-50 national prospects.
Adding another elite name to pair with Brown would go a long way toward proving that Ohio State’s receiver pipeline isn’t slowing down anytime soon. It’s not just about talent - it’s about continuity, development, and maintaining the identity of a passing attack that’s been among the best in college football.
Defensive End: Time to Rebuild the Edge
The Buckeyes’ future at defensive end is a bit of a question mark. Kenyatta Jackson could be back in 2026, but beyond that, the picture gets blurry.
Will Ohio State dip into the transfer portal to bolster the position? Can promising young players like Zion Grady, Khary Wilder, or Dre Quinn step into bigger roles? Those are all possibilities, but the bottom line is this: the edge room needs an infusion of high-end talent.
Whether it’s through traditional recruiting or creative scheming - like bumping athletic linebackers down to the edge - the Buckeyes need to start identifying the next wave of disruptive pass rushers. Replacing the production set to leave over the next two years won’t be easy, and that’s why finding a blue-chip defensive end in this cycle is one of the top priorities.
Offensive Tackle: Building for the Long Haul
Offensive tackle is always a developmental position, and that means recruiting there is about more than just the next season - it’s about the next three.
The Buckeyes already have a solid foundation in the 2027 class with commitments from Mason Wilt, Brody McNeel, and Kellen Wymer. That’s a strong start, but they’re not done yet.
Even with the possibility of returning four starters in 2026 - including bookends Austin Siereveld and Phillip Daniels - the long-term depth chart still has some question marks. Carter Lowe, Ian Moore, and freshman Sam Greer could be key pieces in 2027, but the room needs more competition and more upside.
This is a position where you recruit with 2028 and 2029 in mind. The Buckeyes know that, and they’re not taking their foot off the gas.
Cornerback: Replenishing the Secondary
The 2026 class brought in two promising corners in Jordan Thomas and Jay Timmons, and by 2027, the secondary should still be in good shape - but only for the moment.
Devin Sanchez could be entering his final season in Columbus by then, and with Jermaine Mathews Jr. expected to be gone, the Buckeyes will need to reload. Thomas and Timmons have the tools to be high-level players, but adding another elite corner in 2027 would help ensure the defense doesn’t skip a beat.
In today’s game, where offenses are more explosive than ever, you can never have too many capable corners. Ohio State knows that better than most, and they’re not taking any chances.
Final Thoughts
The Buckeyes don’t rebuild - they reload. But doing that takes foresight, consistency, and a relentless approach on the recruiting trail. The 2027 class is shaping up to be a pivotal one, not just for the talent it brings in, but for the message it sends about the program’s direction in a new era.
From landing a potential superstar in David Gabriel-Georges, to reinforcing the trenches and reloading the secondary, Ohio State’s staff has their work cut out for them. But if history is any guide, they’re more than up to the challenge.