Ryan Day received some pretty promising news the other day when Steve Wiltfong, a recruiting expert for On3, crystal balled that three-star defensive line prospect Jamir Perez would flip his commitment to the Buckeyes.
Currently, Perez is committed to the Florida Gators, whom he committed to just over four weeks ago. However, the Ohio native is now projected to flip his commitment and stay home, joining the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2026.
Perez is the No. 25 overall athlete out of Ohio for the class of 2026, and the No. 60 defensive line prospect in the class. While he eagerly committed to the Gators in May, On3 gives the Buckeyes a 54.9 percent chance to land the young prospect.
Flip Alert!
— Ohio State Football Recruiting (@OhioStateFBChat) June 17, 2025
Steve Wiltfong Has Crystal Balled Defensive Lineman Jamir Perez To Flip From Florida to Ohio State.
Position: DL
Class: 2026
National Rank: #25 recruit in Ohio, #60 Overall DL
Location: Glenville High School, Ohio pic.twitter.com/YTIQYzu87J
Being the defending national champions doesn't hurt on the recruiting trail. Day and the Buckeyes brought in the No. 5 recruiting class in the nation for the class of 2025 and are trending in the right direction for the class of 2026, currently laying claim to the No. 3 group of prospects in the country.
The addition of a three-star big man like Perez could be exactly what Ohio State needs to take one step closer to recruiting the top class. As of now, Day has received commitments from 15 players, including two five-stars, 11 four-stars, and two three-stars.
Ohio State recruiting class of 2026
- Chris Henry Jr., five-star wide receiver
- Blaine Bradford, four-star safety
- Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, four-star wide receiver
- Sam Greer, four-star offensive tackle
- Simeon Caldwell, four-star safety
- Max Riley, four-star interior offensive lineman
- Jordan Thomas, four-star cornerback
- Jakob Weatherspoon, four-star safety
- Favour Akih, four-star running back
- Jaeden Ricketts, four-star wide receiver
- Khary Wilder, four-star defensive lineman
- CJ Sanna, four-star linebacker
- Brock Boyd, four-star wide receiver
- Corbyn Fordham, three-star tight end
- Tucker Smith, three-star interior offensive lineman
As you can see, the Buckeyes' incoming group of commits will provide a solid defensive secondary, with blue-chip safeties and cornerbacks galore. Ohio State will also pick up its usual onslaught of high-caliber wideouts and running backs to build its offensive depth.
However, with just one lineman and one linebacker committing to the Buckeyes so far, the Ohio State defensive line is leaving a lot to be desired from the upcoming class. Perez could be the exact solution to what is lacking.