Ohio State just made a major statement on the 2027 recruiting trail - and they did it with one of the most coveted prospects in the country.
David “DJ” Jacobs, a 6-foot-5, 225-pound EDGE rusher out of Roswell, Georgia (Blessed Trinity Catholic), has committed to the Buckeyes. And make no mistake, this is a big-time get.
According to the 247Sports Composite, Jacobs ranks as the No. 8 overall prospect in the nation and the top EDGE in the class. But if you go by 247Sports’ in-house rankings, they’re even higher on him - labeling Jacobs as the No. 1 overall player in the 2027 cycle.
That’s the kind of talent Ohio State just pulled in.
Jacobs has been one of the most heavily pursued recruits in the country, holding close to 40 offers already. He’s been making the rounds, taking visits all over the nation, and by his own account, those visits were essentially like official visits. But after a trip to Columbus in late November for the Buckeyes’ game against Rutgers, everything changed.
“I love everything about Ohio State,” Jacobs said. “That visit really blew me away. The coaches, the players, and the atmosphere made a big impact on me.”
It’s clear that visit hit different. Jacobs had been following Ohio State for a while, but seeing the program up close - the energy in the stadium, the way the staff connected with him - sealed the deal.
Still, this recruitment isn’t over just yet.
Jacobs, whose father played defensive line at Georgia from 1999 to 2002, isn’t fully closing the door on other suitors. Miami, Texas A&M, and Georgia were all heavily in the mix before his commitment, and he plans to take official visits in the fall of 2026.
“Recruiting is never over,” Jacobs said. “We’ll see who really wants me and who will fight for me.”
That’s the reality of modern recruiting. A verbal commitment is just the beginning - especially when you’re dealing with a five-star, No. 1-ranked EDGE who’s already drawing attention from every powerhouse in the country. It’s a long game, and Ohio State knows it.
For head coach Ryan Day and his staff, this is both a win and a challenge. They’ve landed one of the most dynamic pass rushers in the country - a player who has the frame, athleticism, and production to be a game-wrecker at the next level.
But now the focus shifts to retention. With Jacobs keeping the door open, the Buckeyes will need to keep showing him why Columbus is the place for him.
This is where elite programs separate themselves. It’s not just about landing top talent - it’s about building the relationships and culture that keep them in the fold.
Jacobs has seen what Ohio State has to offer. Now it’s about making sure that impression sticks.
The Buckeyes have done it before, and with Jacobs, they’ll look to do it again.