Eric Boggs
As the 2026 recruiting cycle heats up, Ohio State welcomed three key prospects for official visits, each bringing unique potential and challenges to the Buckeyes’ recruiting efforts. These visits offer a glimpse into how Ohio State is positioning itself to maintain its standing as a national powerhouse, particularly by targeting both local talent and high-profile recruits from outside the state.
Running back Favour Akih stands out as a particularly exciting prospect, especially for Ohio State fans familiar with the local scene. Hailing from Delaware Hayes High School in Delaware, Ohio—a stone’s throw from Columbus—Favour is a 6-foot, 190-pound athlete with immense upside. Despite having only played football for a few years, his raw talent is undeniable. He combines power and speed in a running style that suggests significant future development under the guidance of Ohio State’s coaching staff, particularly running backs coach Carlos Locklyn. Ranked 166th nationally and 14th among running backs in the 2026 cycle, Favour faces a pivotal decision among Ohio State, USC, and Miami. While crystal balls currently lean toward Ohio State, the allure of South Beach and Hollywood remains a tempting factor. For Buckeye fans, landing Favor would be a recruiting coup, potentially securing a dynamic player whose talent could flourish over the next few years.
The Buckeyes are also hosting Drew Evers, an offensive lineman from Flower Mound, Texas. At 6-foot-3½ and 285 pounds, Evers is considered somewhat undersized for tackle but is viewed by many as a natural fit for the interior line. Ranked 209th nationally and 13th among interior linemen, his recruitment timeline suggests Ohio State’s interest has been steady but low-profile. Evers has already made visits to SMU, LSU, and soon Penn State and Texas A&M, making his official visit to Ohio State this weekend critical. Ohio State’s ability to attract Texas talent has been proven in recent years, but Evers remains a recruit to watch carefully. His decision will reflect Ohio State’s ability to compete with strong regional programs and highlight the importance of official visits in tipping the scales.
Lastly, defensive lineman Emanuel Ruffin from Bessemer, Alabama, is a massive presence at 6-foot-4, 290 pounds. Ranked 239th nationally but projected by some as a potential top-100 player, Ruffin’s raw talent has drawn interest from a host of programs including LSU, Florida, Tennessee, and Alabama itself. Pulling a player from Alabama’s talent-rich pipeline is no easy feat and would represent a significant recruiting victory for Ohio State. Historically, Alabama has held an edge in recruiting its homegrown stars, and Ruffin’s visits to multiple southern programs suggest that Ohio State faces an uphill battle. Nevertheless, Ruffin’s official visit gives the Buckeyes a chance to make an impression and possibly sway his decision away from the Southeast.
These official visits highlight Ohio State’s balanced recruiting strategy: targeting promising local talent like Favor Akey, while also competing nationally for key positions with prospects from Texas and Alabama. Each visit carries weight not just for the individual recruit but for the trajectory of Ohio State’s roster construction. As the Buckeyes look ahead, landing these prospects would help sustain the depth and talent that have long defined the program.
The Buckeyes hosted an impactful camp earlier in the week that brought some of the nation’s top 2027 prospects to Columbus. Lets break down what unfolded during the camp and which recruits left a lasting impression.
Quarterback Brady Edmonds: The Real Deal
2027 Ohio State commit Brady Edmonds was a standout at the camp, showcasing the kind of talent that makes him one of the nation’s premier prospects. The Huntington Beach, California native is listed at 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, with a strong arm and pinpoint accuracy that left coaches and scouts raving.
Despite a recent controversial drop in his ranking by 247Sports — falling from a five-star to a lower status — composite rankings still have Edmonds sitting at No. 67 nationally, the sixth-highest ranked quarterback in his class, and eighth from California. The skepticism about his ranking seems misplaced, as the young quarterback displayed top-tier ability with consistent zip and accuracy during drills.
Brady has two more high school seasons to polish his game before joining the Buckeyes, but all signs point to him being a cornerstone of Ohio State’s future offense.
Defensive Lineman Jalen Brewster: Texas’ Top Prospect Visits Columbus
Another major name on campus was Jalen Brewster, a massive 6-foot-3, 302-pound defensive lineman from Cedar Hill, Texas. At only 16 years old, Brewster already carries a “going-on-36” presence on the field, making him one of the most physically mature and dominant players in the 2027 recruiting cycle.
Ranked seventh nationally and the highest-rated defensive lineman of his class, Brewster is a true blue-chip prospect. His offer sheet reads like a who’s who of college football powerhouses — Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Oregon, and of course Ohio State — all competing for his signature.
Unlike some recruits who visit just to tour, Brewster worked out extensively at the Buckeyes’ camp, showing the coaches he’s not just visiting but ready to compete and impress. Landing Brewster would be a massive win for Ohio State’s defensive front and could shape the 2027 recruiting class as one of the best in the nation.
Linebacker Jalaythan Mayfield: A Perfect Fit for the Buckeyes
From Lincolnton, North Carolina, Jalaythan Mayfield is a 6-foot-1, 215-pound linebacker who earned an offer from Ohio State earlier this year and made the trip to campus this weekend. Ranked No. 166 nationally and the 10th highest linebacker in the 2027 class, Mayfield is noted for his athleticism and strength.
As the Buckeyes continue to build their linebacker room under James Laurinaitis, Mayfield’s skill set fits perfectly into the defense’s future plans. His relationship with the coaching staff and his family appears strong, and early signs suggest Mayfield could be an early commit, a testament to the recruiting prowess of Laurinaitis.
Ohio State also handed out several offers to players who impressed during the camp:
- Jordan Karhoff, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound tight end from St. Francis de Sales in Columbus, is a four-star recruit ranked No. 288 nationally and the 19th best tight end. Being a hometown player and teammate of Buckeye quarterback RJ Day, there’s added pressure for Karhoff to stay local and join the Buckeyes.
- Eli Johnson, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound safety from Steele High School in Gibaldo, Texas, received his offer after an impressive camp performance. Ranked No. 102 nationally and the eighth-best safety in 2027, Johnson is drawing comparisons to Ohio State’s Latham Ransom and looks poised to contribute early.
- Jonathan Gillette, a 5-foot-10, 175-pound athlete from St. Joseph Regional in New Jersey, also earned an offer. Ranked No. 426 nationally and 12th in New Jersey, Gilette’s versatility in the defensive backfield offers Ohio State flexibility with his development.
Eyes on the Future: 2028 Wide Receiver Braylon Clark
The Buckeyes’ recruiting pipeline doesn’t stop with 2027. From Charlotte, North Carolina, 6-foot-1, 172-pound wide receiver Braylon Clark received an offer as a rising sophomore — a rare early endorsement from wide receivers coach Brian Hartline, who has a keen eye for talent.
Clark caught 38 passes for 578 yards and five touchdowns as a true freshman, signaling his high ceiling. Though unranked nationally for now, Clark’s stock is soaring after the offer, and he could become a future five-star prospect to watch.
This recruiting weekend and camp painted an exciting picture for Ohio State’s future. With top-tier talents like Brady Edmonds and Jalen Brewster visiting and working out, plus promising recruits earning offers on the spot, the Buckeyes’ 2027 class is shaping up to be one of the nation’s best.
Recruiting is always competitive and unpredictable, but Ohio State is clearly in a strong position to land several impact players who can keep the program at the forefront of college football for years to come.
