The Ohio State football program has started to slip in the recruiting rankings recently. They have gotten just one commitment since the Spring Game. Right now, they have just 11 commitments in the 2027 recruiting class. Because of that, they sit just seventh in the rankings.
That doesn't mean that the Ohio State Buckeyes aren't doing some work on the recruiting trail. They have been trying their best to get commitments from the best recruits in the country. Most high-level recruits have yet to make a commitment decision. That's why Ohio State's numbers are low.
As the Buckeyes try to get kids on campus, they are pursuing one of the best defensive linemen in the country. Five-star defensive lineman Marcus Fakatou has now narrowed down his decision list to five schools. The Buckeyes are one of the five schools still in play.
Ohio State football team still in the running for Marcus Fakatou
Fakatou has now decided there are five programs he is still considering. He is rated as the second-best defensive lineman in the country in the 2027 class and is listed at 6'7 and 275 pounds. Other than Ohio State, he has Texas, Notre Dame, Oregon, and Georgia on his final list.
NEWS: Five-Star DL Marcus Fakatou is down to 5 Schools, he tells me for @Rivals
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 4, 2026
The 6’7 275 DL from Riverside, CA is ranked as the No. 2 DL in the 2027 Class (per Rivals Industry)
Where Should He Go? https://t.co/uJVAahVKK3 pic.twitter.com/QKnYWdGOUC
Adding Fakatou would be huge for Ohio State. He would become the third-highest-ranked recruit in Ohio State's class, and he would also become the third five-star recruit for them in this class. Larry Johnson has proven that he can still recruit, even at his age.
Fakatou is one of the many top-shelf prospects visiting Columbus at the end of the month. Ohio State's strategy is to have all of the elite recruits visit at the same time so they can experience everything together. That could help them figure out what it might be like as future teammates.
Ohio State fans who are anxious about the recruiting class need to be patient. The numbers should improve. Also, Ohio State might decide to put more emphasis on the Transfer Portal when the season ends.
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