DJ Jacobs commits to Ohio State: Buckeyes make splash, land No. 1 prospect in 2027 class
Ohio State may have just picked up the first of two big wins against Miami this week.
Days before the Buckeys and Hurricanes face off in the Cotton Bowl, where Ohio State is a 9.5-point favorite, Ohio State scored a stunning recruiting victory Monday night by landing a commitment from five-star edge rusher DJ Jacobs. The No. 1 prospect in the class of 2027, Jacobs committed to the Buckeyes live on CBS Sports HQ over a long list of high-profile suitors — including Miami, which was seen as the favorite before the announcement.
“It’s a huge shock,” said Andrew Ivins, director of scouting for 247Sports. “Ohio State is putting this together and I love the fit. Defensive line coach Larry Johnson is perfect for Jacobs given what he’s done with the kids.”
Jacobs is the ninth player to commit to Ohio State in the 2027 cycle.
Miami isn’t the only program wondering what went wrong with one of the best defensive line prospects of the modern recruiting era. Jacobs is prepping at Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in Roswell, Ga. — and he’s a dual Georgia heritage. His father, David, played defensive line for the Bulldogs and his mother, Desiree, played basketball at Georgia. Former Georgia coach Mark Richt is DJ’s godfather.
“Cast edge defender with the size, speed and strength to wreak havoc on Saturdays and then Sundays.” 247 scouting athletic director Andrew Ivins wrote in his evaluation of Jacobs. “Projects as a future difference maker for a College Football Playoff contender who can take advantage and get after the quarterback.”
If Jacobs maintains his No. 1 ranking in the 2027 class, he would be the first defensive prospect to maintain that ranking since the 2019 class.
