Ohio State Buckeyes defensive line coach Larry Johnson is one of the best position coaches in the game. He's been part of OSU's dynastic program-building in the early CFP era through to the current NIL/rev-share times. His name has value on the recruiting trail. The 2027 recruiting class may be better off immediately because of it.
Rivals' Adam Gorney projected the Buckeyes to be in pole position to nab a pair of Sierra Canyon stars in the defensive trenches, blue-chip tackles Marcus Fakatou and Kasi Currie, although Currie landed with the Texas Longhorns instead. Johnson, the team's illustrious history, and the development of tackles in Columbus. Of note, nine DTs have been drafted since Johnson came to the program in 2014.
“But Fakatou’s heart might be at Ohio State. His connection with position coach Larry Johnson, the NFL development emanating from that building, and the chance to play for defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and that elite staff could be too much to pass up,” Gorney said.
“For many of the same reasons Fakatou likes Ohio State is why Currie is so high on the program – Johnson, NFL development, history at the position – and playing with Fakatou as a major one-two punch is also now a draw.”
Each is a spectacular athlete, and the two could be a package deal. Fakatou had 69 total tackles, 17 TFLs, and seven sacks, while also somehow blocking eight field goals on special teams. Currie, meanwhile, had 15 tackles, four tackles for loss, and an interception. The athleticism each possesses separates them at the tackle position. In a Big Ten that's increasingly built on speed and athleticism, both are exactly what the doctor ordered. Maybe Johnson and Co. could keep on their trail. Regardless, it's clear Johnson is a difference-maker on name-value alone.
No one has any questions about Johnson after two great defensive tackle groups during two different title runs.
Does Ohio State have any defensive linemen in the 2027 class yet?
Ohio State doesn't have any defensive tackle commits yet, but the Buckeyes do have a pair of blue-chip edge-rushers: 5-star Blessed Trinity Catholic defensive end DJ Jacobs and 4-star St. Thomas Aquinas DE Wyatt Smith.
Jacobs is currently being rumored to still be courted by the Miami Hurricanes, a natural flip threat for the Fort Lauderdale native. A recent workout with 5-star Miami commit Donte Wright has many at The U thinking he's considering jumping ship. There's nothing concrete there, though. Not yet, at least.
Smith just committed in May and doesn't seem to have eyes on any other school. Smith was so enamored with OSU that he quickly scheduled a second visit in April and sealed the deal only a few weeks after that.
While the edges are set, the middle needs attention. Luckily, it seems Johnson has that covered with the caliber of athlete he has been going after in the 2027 cycle. We'll see if that translates to commitments not named Currie or Fakatou soon.
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