Looking ahead to the 2027 class, there's no question that a major get thus far for Ryan Day and Ohio State is 5-star pass-rusher David Jacobs. The 6-5, 235-pounder committed to Ohio State in late December and while multiple teams are trying to flip him, he's locked in with the Buckeyes.
Former Ohio State linebacker claps back at Mylan Graham over recent comments
Leave it to ESPN to get people more excited about his future in Columbus. This week, it came out with its updated rankings and in addition to being a 5-star playmaker and the No. 1 defensive end in the country, Jacobs is now the No. 4 overall prospect for the '27 group. That's pretty dang great if you ask us:
5-star Ohio State commit D.J. Jacobs jumps to No. 4️⃣ overall and ranks as the No. 1 defensive end in the nation in the updated SC Next Jr. 300 @DaviddJacobss
— Billy Tucker (@TheUCReport) February 18, 2026
Elite length, explosive, and powerful - Jacobs has one of the highest ceilings in the country. https://t.co/QxnlGGjuNd pic.twitter.com/VJaqHlqDKJ
5-star Ohio State commit David Jacobs is now ESPN's No. 4 prospect overall
That's some great news for Jacobs and it's of course going to give him some extra motivation to put on a show at camps later this year and of course during his senior season. Once he wraps things up next fall, his full focus will be on getting ready to be a stud in the Big Ten.
Ohio State and Day will be able to make things official with Jacobs during the Early Signing Period in December. Leading up to then, Ohio State will no question have its hands full in trying to keep the talented standout on board, as multiple other schools indeed are working to change his mind.
The list includes Miami, with Mario Cristobal doing what he can recruiting wise to get Jacobs to have a change of heart. Jacobs hasn't shied away in voicing his interest in the Canes, while adding recently that recruiting is 'never over' until things are signed.
It sure feels like the door is being left open for Miami or another program to come in and swoop him, but Day and Matt Patricia will do everything possible to make sure he ends up signing with the Buckeyes. Jacobs is a big-time talent and he's going to be a serious problem for opposing quarterbacks at the college level. Ohio State fans can't wait to see him in action at The Shoe soon enough.