The college football recruiting landscape is heating up, and Ohio State is right in the thick of it, with seven top 2027 prospects narrowing their lists to include the Buckeyes. But here's where it gets really interesting: among these talents are three five-star players who could reshape the program's future. And this is the part most people miss—despite recent coaching changes, Ohio State remains a powerhouse in the eyes of elite recruits.
Five-Star WR Monshun Sales: Imagine a 6-foot-5 receiver with a reported 4.43-second 40-yard dash. That’s Monshun Sales, an Indiana native who has Ohio State in his final four alongside Alabama, Indiana, and Miami. The Buckeyes’ new wide receivers coach, Cortez Hankton, has already made an impression, as Sales visited Columbus in January. But can Ohio State outmaneuver these powerhouse programs? It’s a battle that will test the program’s recruiting muscle over the next several months.
Five-Star IOL Maxwell Hiller: Landing a five-star offensive lineman has been a rarity for Ohio State in recent years, making Hiller’s recruitment all the more critical. The No. 1 interior lineman in the 2027 class, Hiller has the Buckeyes on his official visit list, but they’re up against Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee. Florida seems to be gaining momentum, but an official visit to Columbus could shift the tide. Is Ohio State doing enough to compete with these SEC giants?
Five-Star DL Marcus Fakatou: At 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds, Fakatou is a national recruit with Ohio State in his top 10. The Buckeyes will host him on March 10, giving them a prime opportunity to showcase their vision for his future. Pairing him with defensive end DJ Jacobs—the No. 1 edge prospect in the country—could create a dominant defensive line. But with USC, Notre Dame, and Michigan also in the mix, can Ohio State convince this California star to head east?
Four-Star DE Rashad Streets: Streets, the No. 8 defensive end nationally, has Ohio State in his top six, alongside Alabama, Florida State, N.C. State, Oregon, and South Carolina. What gives the Buckeyes an edge? They’ve already secured a commitment from his high school teammate, four-star linebacker Quinton Cypher. However, Streets has visited several of these schools, so nothing is guaranteed. Will the teammate connection be enough to sway him?
Four-Star OT Jimmy Kalis: A 6-foot-6, 280-pound tackle from Pennsylvania, Kalis has Ohio State in his top six, which also includes Clemson, Georgia, LSU, Miami, and Texas. The Buckeyes already have a commitment from four-star tackle Brody McNeel, but Kalis’ official visits to Georgia, LSU, and Texas mean Ohio State must make a strong case. Can they overcome the allure of these other programs?
Four-Star CB Taelyn Mayo: Ohio State’s cornerback coach, Tim Walton, is still seeking his first 2027 commit, and Mayo is a top target. The 6-foot-4 Texas native has the Buckeyes in his top five, along with Texas A&M, Texas, LSU, and Oklahoma. Ohio State is currently among the leaders, thanks to a strong relationship with Walton. But with two Texas schools in the mix, can the Buckeyes pull him out of his home state?
Four-Star CB Jaden Carey: Carey, ranked No. 38 among corners, has Ohio State in his top seven, which also includes Auburn, Florida, Miami, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, and Oregon. The Buckeyes are considered a top contender alongside Miami, but this recruitment is far from over. Which program will ultimately win his commitment?
As these recruitments unfold, one thing is clear: Ohio State is in the hunt for some of the nation’s best talent. But with fierce competition from SEC and other powerhouse programs, are the Buckeyes doing enough to secure these elite prospects? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—who do you think will commit, and who might slip away?
