Ohio State Eyes Bounce-Back in Cotton Bowl, Shifts Focus to 2027 Recruiting Trail
It’s been nearly a month since Ohio State last took the field, and that memory still stings. A 13-10 loss to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship wasn’t just a tough pill to swallow - it was a roadblock in the Buckeyes' quest for back-to-back national titles. Now, as Ryan Day and his team regroup, the focus is twofold: preparing for a New Year’s Eve showdown in the Cotton Bowl and laying the groundwork for the future on the recruiting trail.
The Buckeyes will face either Miami or Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl, and while the game itself is a chance to finish the season on a high note, it’s also an opportunity to reset the tone heading into 2026. Last year, a loss to Michigan lit a fire under this team that carried them all the way to a national title. Day is hoping this year’s stumble has a similar effect.
But it’s not just about the present. With the early signing period wrapping up, Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class is nearly complete - just a few final pieces left to fall into place. That’s allowed the Buckeyes’ coaching staff to pivot their attention to the 2027 cycle, and they’re already making significant moves.
Buckeyes in the Mix for Top 2027 Linebacker
One of the biggest storylines this week centers around four-star linebacker Quinton Cypher out of Millbrook High School in Raleigh, North Carolina. Cypher, ranked as the No. 11 linebacker and No. 192 overall prospect in the 2027 class by 247Sports Composite, announced his top four schools over the weekend - and Ohio State made the cut. Joining the Buckeyes in his final group are Alabama, Georgia, and Miami.
Cypher is expected to make his commitment sometime this week, though he hasn’t revealed the exact day. What we do know is that Ohio State has made a strong impression.
He visited Columbus just last month, and since then, recruiting insiders have started to lean toward the Buckeyes as the favorite. Multiple predictions from On3’s recruiting analysts have been cast in Ohio State’s favor, suggesting the Buckeyes are in a strong position.
Still, this recruitment hasn’t been flashy or full of leaks. Cypher has kept things relatively quiet, which makes projecting his final decision a bit tricky.
Georgia is widely seen as the biggest threat to Ohio State here, and when you’re battling programs like the Bulldogs, Crimson Tide, and Hurricanes, nothing is ever locked in. But make no mistake - Cypher is a top target for the Buckeyes, and landing him would be a major early win in the 2027 cycle.
Quick Hit: Buckeyes Offer 2027 RB SaRod Baker
While Cypher’s decision is looming, Ohio State is casting a wider net for future playmakers. Over the weekend, the Buckeyes officially extended a scholarship offer to 2027 running back SaRod Baker out of DeSoto High School in Texas - a program known for producing top-tier talent.
Baker, a three-star prospect, may not have the star rating that jumps off the page just yet, but he’s already drawn serious attention. With nearly two dozen offers from programs like Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Pitt, SMU, TCU, Texas Tech, and UCF, Baker’s recruitment is gaining steam. Now, with Ohio State entering the picture, it’s clear the Buckeyes see something they like in the Texas native.
Ranked as the No. 68 running back and No. 806 overall prospect in the 247Sports Composite, Baker adds depth to a growing list of 2027 targets. It’s still early, but Ohio State’s interest suggests they believe Baker could be a late riser in the class - the kind of back who fits their system and culture.
As the Buckeyes gear up for their Cotton Bowl appearance, the coaching staff is doing what elite programs do best: preparing for the present while building for the future. Whether it’s locking in a top linebacker like Cypher or identifying under-the-radar talent like Baker, Ohio State’s recruiting machine isn’t slowing down anytime soon. The next few days could offer a glimpse into what the next generation of Buckeyes will look like.