Eric Boggs
While Ohio State continues to finish strong in its 2026 recruiting cycle—especially by flipping high-profile prospects already committed elsewhere—the Buckeyes have also begun the 2027 cycle with tremendous momentum. That surge continued in a big way when four-star safety Eli Johnson announced his commitment to Ohio State just hours before kickoff against UCLA.
Johnson, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound defender from Cibolo Steele High School (TX), chose the Buckeyes over Florida State, Michigan, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and several other major programs. Ranked as the No. 114 overall player and the No. 10 safety in the 2027 composite rankings, he is the second defensive back to join the class alongside three-star Angelo Smith, the younger brother of star wideout Jeremiah Smith.
His decision came during an unofficial visit, standing on the sidelines at Ohio Stadium as the Buckeyes prepared for their night showdown with UCLA. While Oklahoma made a strong push, Johnson’s relationship with safeties coach Matt Guerrieri proved decisive, giving Ohio State another high-upside defensive centerpiece.
On the field, Johnson brings a playstyle built on instincts and anticipation. Through six games this season, he’s recorded 20 tackles, two pass breakups, one interception, and half a tackle for loss. He’s also flashed special teams value, blocking a punt and returning it for a touchdown—an early sign of the versatility Ohio State covets.
Johnson thrives in zone coverage, reacting quickly to throws and closing downhill with confidence. At his current size, he already looks the part physically, and with continued development in strength and technique, he projects as a potential impact player in the Buckeyes’ secondary within a few years.
His commitment marks the third addition to Ohio State’s 2027 class in the month of November, following the back-to-back pledges of four-star offensive tackle Kellen Wymer and three-star interior lineman Mason Wilt. In total, the Buckeyes now have six commitments in a class that remains more than a year away from the early signing period—a testament to the staff’s ability to identify and secure elite talent early.
Here’s a look at Ohio State’s current 2027 recruiting class, which already features one of the nation’s top wide receivers and a budding star at quarterback:
- WR Jamier Brown – ★★★★★ – No. 5 overall, No. 1 WR (Dayton, OH)
- S Eli Johnson – ★★★★ – No. 114 overall, No. 10 S (Cibolo, TX)
- QB Brady Edmunds – ★★★★ – No. 142 overall, No. 11 QB (Huntington Beach, CA)
- OT Kellen Wymer – ★★★★ – No. 216 overall, No. 10 IOL (Liberty Center, OH)
- IOL Mason Wilt – ★★★ – No. 519 overall, No. 33 IOL (St. Clairsville, OH)
- S Angelo Smith – ★★★ – No. 565 overall, No. 56 S (Hollywood, FL)
With elite in-state star Jamier Brown leading the class and a growing core of high-ceiling prospects joining him, Ohio State is building early recruiting dominance that mirrors the momentum of its on-field success. Eli Johnson is the latest example of how the Buckeyes continue to recruit with precision, purpose, and a relentless national reach—laying the foundation for another championship-caliber future.
