Eric Boggs
As the 2026 recruiting class nears completion, Ohio State fans are already turning their attention toward the rising talent in the class of 2027. While several prospects remain on the board for this cycle, the Buckeyes have a solid foundation and are positioned well to close with another top-five class nationally. But like always, the lifeblood of the program begins with elite in-state talent—and Ohio has a deep pool emerging for 2027.
Leading that group is Jamier Brown, the electric wide receiver from Wayne High School in Dayton. At just 5’11” and 170 pounds, Brown has already established himself as the top-ranked player in Ohio and the No. 1 receiver nationally in the early rankings. A five-star talent with elite separation and ball skills, Brown has already committed to Ohio State, continuing the tradition of superstar receivers pledging to Brian Hartline’s room. While other programs will undoubtedly try to flip him, keeping Brown home is critical to sustaining Zone 6’s NFL pipeline.
Not far behind Brown is Reinaldo Perez, a dominant 6’5″, 245-pound defensive end from Columbus Academy. Perez has the size and athleticism that can’t be taught and impressed Ohio State’s staff enough at camp this summer to earn an offer. As a top-20 defensive lineman nationally, Perez is arguably the most important defensive target in the state for the Buckeyes, and keeping him in Columbus would be a huge win for the future of the Buckeye defensive front.
Another high-ceiling prospect is Ace Alston of Anderson High School in Cincinnati. The top cornerback in the state, Alston is a top-100 recruit nationally with elite ball skills and instincts. At 5’11” and 165 pounds, he’s slightly undersized for now, but he’s just entering his junior year and has plenty of time to grow. He’s already earned comparisons to recent Buckeye targets and would be an important addition at a position where Ohio State is looking to build depth and consistency.
At tight end, Jordan Karhoff from Columbus DeSales is a name to remember. At 6’4″, 215 pounds, Karhoff is a smooth athlete with great hands and upside as both a blocker and receiver. He’s also the teammate of RJ Day, son of head coach Ryan Day, and their chemistry could be a selling point if RJ continues to progress. While Karhoff isn’t yet a household name nationally, he’s one of the best tight end prospects to come through the state in recent years and holds an Ohio State offer after an impressive camp performance.
Rounding out the early top five is Kalel Johnson, a towering offensive tackle from Moeller High School in Cincinnati. At 6’7″ and 281 pounds, Johnson is the prototype for what the Buckeyes want on the edge of their offensive line. He’s a borderline top-200 national recruit and top-five in the state, and his high school pedigree suggests a player who’s used to elite competition. With offensive line recruiting always a critical piece to Ohio State’s championship puzzle, Johnson is an in-state priority.
While it’s still very early in the process and these rankings are bound to shift over time, the class of 2027 in Ohio already shows immense promise. With Jamier Brown committed and several other top targets squarely on the Buckeyes’ radar, Ryan Day and his staff are laying the groundwork for another elite haul. And for Buckeye fans, there’s no better way to look toward the future than by locking down the best players in their own backyard.
