On the eve of Student Appreciation Day practice, Ohio State is gearing up for what will be another major recruiting weekend. Welcoming top players from all over the map, the Buckeyes will once again have another impressive environment for what is always a big time highlight of the spring practice season.
Another recruiting battle with a familiar foe
If there’s a crown jewel in Ohio State’s 2027 class thus far it’s certainly Georgia native DJ Jacobs. The top overall player per 247Sports, Jacobs is the No. 4 player nationally and best edge rusher in the class per the 247Sports Composite as well.
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Committing to Ohio State back in December, the Buckeyes were thrilled to land his pledge and made it clear they are willing to do what it takes not only from the development aspect of things, but also stepping up the plate when it comes to the NIL factors as well.
With any five-star, battling to keep the commitment until pen hits paper is expected and this recruitment will be no different. When it comes to the other suitors too, the Buckeyes have been down this exact same road before. Seen in previous cycles, Ohio State has had their eyes on top defensive linemen targets, and Miami has been a real thorn in the side of this coaching staff.
Whether it be flipping Ohio State’s committed players or just simply trying, Miami consistently goes after the same players and they’ll do so once again with DJ. Jacobs has begun a multi-day visit with Miami, and his family is included. Never a warm feeling seeing top players visit elsewhere when committed, the Buckeyes aren’t surprised by his plans and won’t back down either.
Jacobs has made it clear on numerous occasions why he chose Ohio State and that his pledge is firm, but any time you see a visit to another program you have to believe there’s at least some chance he’s keeping his options open even while committed.
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From here, the expectation is that Miami will do what Miami does. Their pursuit will continue to be heavy, but as long as Jacobs keeps saying the same message, the Buckeyes are in a good spot. The commitment is theirs and the efforts will be there to ensure it stays that way even if he is visiting Miami.
Buckeyes make big impression on 2028 safety
A recent guest in Columbus, Ohio State’s coaching staff played host to California native Gaige Weddle, and did a great job at leaving a lasting impression with the 2028 athlete. A 6-foot-2, 175 pound two-way player, Weddle projects to be a safety at the next level and currently checks in as the No. 26 player nationally and top athlete in the class per the 247Sports Composite.
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Offers from 20 schools and many of the nation’s best included, the Buckeyes are certainly on that list and may have risen to the top following his recent trip. Sharing that Ohio State is, “probably the most well-rounded school I’ve been to,” the coaches have done what it takes to keep their name in the running and that looks to be a theme for the long haul.
Developing the safety position as well as anyone else, Ohio State has plenty going for them and Weddle is taking notice. While his latest visit is now in the books, it’s sights towards his next one that is most important.
Quick Hits
Ohio State will learn their fate for defensive end prospect Rashad Streets on Friday, as he’s picked April 3 to announce his commitment. The No. 61 player nationally and the seventh best edge rusher in the 2027 class per the 247Sports Composite, Streets is deciding between a final list of six schools which includes the Buckeyes.
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A high school teammate to current Ohio State commit, Quinton Cypher, Larry Johnson and the rest of the coaching staff would love to double-dip here, but the momentum doesn’t seem to have been on Ohio State’s side. Cypher has done his due diligence in recruiting for the Buckeyes, but it will be a surprise if they are the landing spot later today.
The good news, Ohio State is still very much in the mix for several other top players along the defensive line and that will only continue.
