Eric Boggs
Ohio State’s recruiting efforts continue to gain momentum across multiple classes as the Buckeyes aggressively pursue elite talent along the defensive line, at linebacker, and at the skill positions. Recent developments show Ohio State battling nationally for top prospects while also locking in on key in-state players who could shape future classes in Columbus.
One of the more intriguing recent defensive line offers went to Chicago native David Folorunsho, a 6-foot-4, 280-pound defensive lineman from St. Patrick High School. Folorunsho is viewed as a versatile defensive front prospect capable of lining up in multiple spots along the line. His explosiveness off the snap and natural power are aided by his background as a high-level wrestler, a trait that often translates well for defensive linemen. Folorunsho’s recruiting momentum currently leans toward Notre Dame, which has long-standing ties in the Chicago area, but Ohio State’s recent offer has inserted the Buckeyes into the conversation. With his top-250 national ranking and reputation for consistently penetrating the backfield, a visit to Columbus could be an important step if the Buckeyes hope to close the gap.
Another defensive lineman Ohio State is monitoring closely is Mitchell Turner from Louisville, Mississippi. Turner, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs roughly 275 pounds, is widely regarded as one of the top defensive linemen in the 2027 class. Ranked among the top 100 players nationally, Turner built his reputation with relentless production, including a season with more than 40 tackles for loss. His explosive first step and ability to play with leverage make him particularly disruptive despite not being the biggest lineman in his class. Pulling Turner out of the South will not be easy, as Ole Miss, Alabama, and Texas remain heavily involved, but Ohio State’s presence on his trimmed list underscores the Buckeyes’ national recruiting reach.
Another defensive tackle prospect gaining attention is Karlos May from Ramsey High School in Birmingham, Alabama. At 6-foot-4 and over 300 pounds, May brings the kind of size and power that defensive line coaches covet. Despite missing most of his sophomore season due to injury, he has shown flashes of being a dominant interior presence when healthy. May combines strong instincts with surprising mobility, allowing him to penetrate offensive lines and chase down ball carriers. Ohio State will have a significant opportunity to strengthen its position when May visits Columbus for a multi-day trip in June, which could help the Buckeyes gain traction in what many expect to be a rapidly rising recruitment.
Ohio State is also beginning to lay groundwork for the future by targeting defensive prospects in the 2028 class. Two standouts have drawn particular attention. RJ Cruz III, a 6-foot-3, 275-pound defensive lineman from Lancaster, is considered one of the top defensive prospects in his class within the Keystone State. While Penn State currently appears to hold the early edge in his recruitment, Cruz’s upcoming visit to Columbus could give the Buckeyes a chance to establish a stronger relationship. He is known for his aggressive playing style, long arms, and ability to disrupt passing lanes, though he still has room to add weight and refine his technique as he develops.
Another talented 2028 prospect to watch is George Parkinson IV, an edge rusher from Malvern Prep. Parkinson has quickly become one of the most intriguing young defenders in the country thanks to a rare combination of size and athleticism. At roughly 6-foot-4 and over 230 pounds, he has already posted impressive testing numbers, including a sub-4.6-second 40-yard dash and a strong vertical leap. His track background shows in his explosive closing speed and ability to bend around the edge. With Penn State, Maryland, Notre Dame, and Ohio State all showing interest, Parkinson’s spring visit to Columbus could be an early opportunity for the Buckeyes to make a lasting impression.
Ohio State’s recruiting focus is not limited to the defensive side of the ball. In the 2029 class, the Buckeyes have already identified a potential local star in Edmund McAllister from Pickerington Central. The freshman running back has quickly built a reputation as one of the most exciting young prospects in Central Ohio. Despite being early in his high school career, McAllister has already demonstrated elite vision, explosive acceleration, and the balance to run through contact. His freshman season production—more than 1,400 all-purpose yards and 17 touchdowns—has already generated scholarship offers from multiple programs. With Pickerington Central historically serving as a pipeline to Ohio State, Buckeye fans will be watching closely as McAllister’s career develops.
Another major headline in Ohio State recruiting came when five-star linebacker Kaden Henderson from Tampa, Florida, trimmed his list to five schools: Ohio State, Miami, Alabama, Texas A&M, and Notre Dame. Henderson is widely regarded as one of the premier defensive prospects in the 2027 class, ranking among the top linebackers nationally. Standing around 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, he has the speed, instincts, and physicality that modern linebackers must possess. Ohio State linebackers coach James Laurinaitis has quickly made a significant recruiting impact, and the Buckeyes’ presence among Henderson’s finalists reflects the program’s continued appeal to elite defenders across the country.
Closer to home, Ohio State is also closely tracking the rise of Dominic Black, an offensive lineman from Tri-Village High School in New Madison, Ohio. Black has surged up recruiting rankings after recent re-evaluations, moving from a relatively unknown prospect into the top tier of players in the state. At 6-foot-5 and around 285 pounds, he projects as a powerful interior lineman with the size and athleticism to develop into a high-level college player. The Buckeyes recently extended an offer and quickly arranged for Black to visit Columbus for a spring practice, giving the coaching staff an early opportunity to make its case before other programs intensify their pursuit.
On the defensive edge, Ohio State recently offered Wyatt Smith from St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Smith, a 6-foot-6 edge prospect, brings an intriguing blend of length and athletic potential. St. Thomas Aquinas has previously produced several high-profile prospects, including members of the Bosa family, and Ohio State has maintained strong recruiting connections with the powerhouse program. While Smith is still developing physically, his frame and upside make him a prospect worth monitoring as his recruitment progresses.
The Buckeyes also extended offers to several offensive skill players. Running back Brennen Lacey from Frisco, Texas, has become a new name on Ohio State’s radar as the program casts a wide net in the 2027 running back class. While he may not yet carry the highest national ranking, his size and athletic profile have drawn interest from multiple programs, and Ohio State’s involvement immediately elevates his recruiting profile.
At wide receiver, Ohio State offered two intriguing prospects in Deshawn Hall and Trenton Yancey. Hall, a 6-foot-5 receiver from Prattville, Alabama, stands out for his length, athleticism, and ability to dominate in contested catch situations. A standout basketball player as well, Hall’s combination of size and body control makes him a dangerous red-zone weapon with a high developmental ceiling. Yancey, meanwhile, comes from Duncanville High School in Texas, one of the nation’s premier high school programs. The 6-foot receiver has already established himself as a top-250 national prospect with strong interest from several major programs across the region.
Taken together, these developments illustrate Ohio State’s wide-ranging recruiting strategy. The Buckeyes continue to pursue elite national prospects while also locking down rising in-state talent and identifying future stars early in their development. With visits scheduled, rankings shifting, and new offers going out, the coming months could prove pivotal as Ohio State continues building what it hopes will become another championship-caliber recruiting class.
