Life just could not be better for Ohio State and Ryan Day right now. The Buckeyes have been on a recruiting heater of late, with things just getting even better thanks to defensive lineman Marcus Fakatou. The 5-star playmaker announced he's Ohio State-bound, committing to Day and Co. over Texas and Georgia.
Ohio State and Ryan Day pull off major 5-star recruiting win for Marcus Fakatou
Not only is Fakatou one of the best d-linemen in the country, but he's one of the top overall prospects for the 2027 class as well. Prior to him giving Day the news he wanted to hear, Ohio State was behind some heavy hitters in the rankings. However, with Fakatou now on board, OSU is now No. 6 on the list, passing Florida and Texas. Day is pushing for a Top 5 class, which is fantastic to see.
BREAKING: Elite 2027 DL Marcus Fakatou has Committed to Ohio State, he tells me for @Rivals
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 29, 2026
The 6’7 265 DL chose the Buckeyes over Texas and Georgia
He’s ranked as the No. 2 DL in the 2027 Rivals Industry Rankings 🌰
“He has never failed me.”https://t.co/uJVAahVKK3 pic.twitter.com/qvBXDxGY8S
Marcus Fakatou committing to Ohio State is major news for Ryan Day and Larry Johnson
This is a statement and a half from Day and Johnson, as it helps grow what's already an incredible class up front on defense for the program. Fakotou is joined by pass-rusher David Jacobs, the No. 1 player in the country, and 4-star DL Wyatt Smith. Yeah, that's a pretty dang solid group.
Those are four elite talents who are now Columbus-bound. Per the 247Sports rankings, Fakatou, a 6-6, 275-pounder for Sierra Canyon High in California, is the No. 2 defensive lineman in the nation, and No. 26 prospect overall. Right after he committed, he was quick to give props to Johnson, while also letting Ohio State fans know he'll be a stud both on and off the field for Day.
“I think one thing I can say is not only are they (fans) going to get someone phenomenal on the field, but they’re going to get someone phenomenal off the field,” Fakatou said. “That’s important, just because I think your character matters most, and then obviously your skills on the field. They’re going to get someone who plays hard on the field, and who gives to the community off of the field.”
Prior to his decision, the playmaker had Ohio State, Texas, and Georgia as his finalists, but Fakatou had 35 offers to his name in total. It was no surprise that so many schools were after him, but in the end, it was Ohio State who did more than enough to get things over the line to reel him in. In recent weeks, multiple predictions came in that Fakatou would pick Ohio State in the end, which had the fanbase pretty confident Day would come out on top over Steve Sarkisian and Kirby Smart.
Fakatou still has a senior season to get through, but once that's finalized, he'll be all set to take his training to the next level before ultimately making the move to Columbus. He's got a bright future ahead of him, and the great news here is that said future will lead to him consistently putting on a show at The Shoe.
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