The Ohio State football team has a track record of developing All-Pro players in the NFL. Recruits need to look no further than the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. Jaxon Smith-Njigba was a big part of that championship team, and he has developed into the best receiver in the league.
The Buckeyes developed him in Columbus to have success at the next level. Most years, the Ohio State Buckeyes are able to bring in multiple five-star recruits in each cycle. That happened again in 2026, but they are now focused on the 2027 recruiting class.
DJ Jacobs is the top overall recruit in that class. He has already committed to the Buckeyes, despite Signing Day being close to a year away. He recently explained why Ohio State is the place for him, and it doesn't sound like he will be changing his mind any time soon.
DJ Jacobs explains why he chose the Ohio State football program
While speaking to Tom Lenning of CBS Sports while at a camp, Jacobs explained his reasoning for being a Buckeye.
"The reason I committed to Ohio State was because the development is just different there, and definitely because I wanted to be part of that culture and everything over there. I'm just really excited to get down there."
Jacobs, the best defensive lineman in the country, has seen what Larry Johnson has been able to do in the last decade or so. He wants Johnson to help him become the next great defensive lineman. Ohio State is hoping to keep hold of him once Signing Day returns.
Ohio State has done some great things with the defensive line under Johnson. He has developed several first-round picks in his Ohio State coaching career. Jacobs' respect for what Johnson has done under both Urban Meyer and Ryan Day is a big reason why he decided to commit to the Buckeyes.
Jacobs is a great player, and Buckeye fans are going to love seeing him play.