The college football recruiting landscape is heating up, and Ohio State is right in the thick of it. Seven top-tier prospects in the 2027 class have narrowed their choices, and the Buckeyes are still in the running for all of them. But here's where it gets interesting: some of these recruits are considering schools that might surprise you, and the competition is fiercer than ever. Let's dive into the details and explore why these decisions could shape the future of college football.
As spring football approaches, the 2027 recruiting class is starting to take shape, and Ohio State is making waves. Over the past week, seven highly touted prospects have included the Buckeyes in their top schools lists. Among them are some of the biggest names on Ryan Day’s radar, each bringing unique talents and potential to the table. Below, we break down these top prospects and what their recruitment means for Ohio State.
Five-Star WR Monshun Sales: A Speedster with Size
Monshun Sales, a 6-foot-5 wide receiver with a reported 4.43-second 40-yard dash, has narrowed his list to four schools: Ohio State, Alabama, Indiana, and Miami. Despite the recent departure of Brian Hartline, the Buckeyes remain a strong contender. Sales visited Ohio State in January, shortly after the hiring of new wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton. Pairing Sales with in-state commit Jamier Brown could give Ohio State one of the nation’s best wide receiver classes in 2027. But here’s the kicker: Indiana, often overlooked in recruiting battles, is making a surprising push. Could the Hoosiers pull off an upset? Or will a powerhouse like Alabama swoop in?
Five-Star IOL Maxwell Hiller: A Rare Gem for the Offensive Line
Maxwell Hiller, the No. 1 interior offensive lineman and No. 10 overall prospect, has Ohio State on his official visit list, alongside Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee. Adding a five-star offensive lineman has been a rarity for the Buckeyes in recent years, making Hiller’s recruitment all the more crucial. While Alabama has been heavily linked to Hiller, Florida is reportedly gaining momentum. Can Ohio State overcome the odds and secure a commitment from this top-tier lineman?
Five-Star DL Marcus Fakatou: A National Battle for a Physical Phenom
Standing at 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds, Marcus Fakatou is one of the most coveted defensive linemen in the 2027 class. He’s ranked No. 2 among defensive linemen and No. 35 overall. Despite playing in California, Fakatou’s recruitment is a national affair, with USC, Notre Dame, Penn State, and Michigan all in the mix. Ohio State will host him on March 10, and the potential pairing of Fakatou with Buckeye commit DJ Jacobs on the defensive line is tantalizing. But with so many powerhouse programs vying for his signature, can Ohio State stand out?
Four-Star DE Rashad Streets: A Familiar Face in the Mix
Rashad Streets, the No. 8 defensive end and No. 66 overall prospect, has Ohio State in his top six, along with Alabama, Florida State, N.C. State, Oregon, and South Carolina. What gives the Buckeyes an edge? Streets’ high school teammate, four-star linebacker Quinton Cypher, is already committed to Ohio State. However, Streets has visited several other schools, so his recruitment is far from over. Will the familiarity of a teammate sway his decision, or will another program make a stronger case?
Four-Star OT Jimmy Kalis: Building a Solid Foundation
Jimmy Kalis, a 6-foot-6, 280-pound offensive tackle, has Ohio State on his list alongside Clemson, Georgia, LSU, Miami, and Texas. Pairing Kalis with Brody McNeel would give the Buckeyes a strong foundation at the offensive tackle position in 2027. However, Kalis has official visits scheduled with Georgia, LSU, and Texas, leaving Ohio State with work to do. Can the Buckeyes convince this Pennsylvania native to join their ranks?
Four-Star CB Taelyn Mayo: A Texas Showdown
Taelyn Mayo, the No. 12 cornerback and No. 135 overall prospect, has Ohio State in his top five, along with Texas A&M, Texas, LSU, and Oklahoma. The Buckeyes will need to fend off two Texas schools to land the 6-foot-4 recruit. Mayo camped with Ohio State in 2025 and maintains a close relationship with coach Tim Walton. Will his ties to Ohio State be enough to overcome the pull of his home state?
Four-Star CB Jaden Carey: A Wide-Open Race
Jaden Carey, the No. 38 cornerback and No. 356 overall prospect, has Ohio State in his top seven, along with Auburn, Florida, Miami, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, and Oregon. The Buckeyes are considered a top contender, particularly alongside Miami. With so many options on the table, what will it take for Ohio State to secure his commitment?
And this is the part most people miss: Recruiting isn’t just about talent—it’s about fit, relationships, and program culture. Ohio State has a rich history of developing players, but in a landscape where every top program is vying for the same recruits, nothing is guaranteed. What do you think? Which of these prospects will end up in scarlet and gray? And which school do you think poses the biggest threat to Ohio State’s recruiting efforts? Let us know in the comments!
