The Ohio State football program didn't have the best recruiting class in 2026, coming off a national championship victory. In fact, it was the worst class Ryan Day has had since his first recruiting class, which was a transition year from when Urban Meyer retired.
Yet, it was still a top-five class. The Buckeyes have already turned their attention to the 2027 recruiting class, as they won't have any players sign in February for the 2026 class. Heading into Monday night, they had eight recruits for the 2027 class already.
On Monday night, the Ohio State Buckeyes made it nine by landing a massive recruit. DJ Jacobs, the number-one defensive end and the best recruit in the country, decided to pick the Buckeyes. It's a massive recruiting win for the Buckeyes, and an even bigger win for Larry Johnson.
Ohio State football team lands five-star recruit DJ Jacobs
A five-star recruit out of Georgia, Jacobs stands at 6'5 and 225 pounds. His blend of size, speed, and strength makes him a very rare prospect at the defensive end spot. He has a great combination of moves that should only get stronger while being coached by Larry Johnson.
Johnson has had a revitalization of his career on the recruiting trail in the last couple of cycles. He was able to land Khary Wilder in the 2026 class, a five-star recruit. Now, he adds Jacobs to next year's class. It's clear that Johnson still has the juice as a recruiter, and pairing with Matt Patricia has certainly helped.
This is very early in the recruiting cycle, so a lot can still happen. Jacobs picked the Buckeyes over both Georgia and Miami, who the Buckeyes will take on in the Cotton Bowl. Getting a win over the Hurricanes on the recruiting trail a couple of days before seeing them on the field has to feel good.
Jacobs could be a day-one impact player next season. Ohio State fans should be excited to have him.