Eric Boggs
Ohio State’s 2027 recruiting picture is beginning to sharpen, and the latest intel from The OHIO Podcast points to a clear, evolving strategy at two critical positions: tight end and offensive line. According to Buckeye insider Buck Vader, the Buckeyes are streamlining their high school recruiting approach while leaving flexibility for the transfer portal, a philosophy that is already influencing how many prospects Ohio State plans to take at each position.
At tight end, the board has been narrowed to three primary targets, with Ohio State planning to take just one high school prospect in the 2027 cycle. The thinking is simple: tight ends are increasingly viewed as plug-and-play options through the portal, making it unnecessary to sign multiple high school players every year. The three names to know are Jordan Karhoff from Columbus St. Francis DeSales, Brock Williams from Libertyville, Illinois, and Jaxon Dollar from Denver, North Carolina. The Buckeyes believe they are well-positioned with all three, and the message is clear—whichever prospect commits first is likely to secure the lone tight end spot in the class.
Karhoff brings local ties and familiarity, standing at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds with strong body control and reliable hands in contested situations. Williams, at 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, is viewed by Vader as a must-get, praised for his length, ball skills, and red-zone presence, even drawing a lofty comparison to Travis Kelce. Dollar offers a slightly thicker frame at 220 pounds and stands out for his versatility, athleticism, and ability to create separation, with added intrigue stemming from family Buckeye ties. Each fits Ohio State’s offensive profile, but the race appears to be about timing as much as talent.
Up front, the Buckeyes are also tightening their numbers. Ohio State expects to take two more offensive linemen to round out a five-man 2027 class, with four primary targets emerging as the focus. Vader believes Ohio State sits firmly in the top three for all of them, with the first two commitments likely sealing the class. Leading that group is Ohio native Kalel Johnson, a 6-foot-7, 281-pound tackle prospect and the top-rated offensive lineman in the state. Johnson is viewed as a prototype with massive upside, positional versatility, and steady technical improvement, making him a priority for keeping elite in-state talent home.
Caden Moss from Jackson, Mississippi, is another name generating real momentum. At 6-foot-5 and 311 pounds, Moss combines size with athleticism, excelling as a puller and showing the kind of physical, throwback mentality that could thrive in a more downhill, Arthur Smith–influenced offense. Maxwell Hiller out of Pennsylvania adds a different flavor, bringing an old-school nastiness and rare versatility that allows him to play multiple spots along the line. The fourth option, Jimmy Kalis from Pittsburgh Central Catholic, is a newer evaluation but one Ohio State is monitoring closely, especially if regional recruiting battles with Penn State intensify.
Beyond individual prospects, the bigger takeaway is philosophical. Ohio State is adjusting its recruiting numbers to preserve NIL resources and roster flexibility for the transfer portal, recognizing that player movement is now a constant in college football. The Buckeyes appear content to pair one top-tier high school recruit with a high-value developmental option at certain positions, rather than spending resources on players less likely to stay long-term. That shift could also accelerate timelines, with Vader suggesting parts of the 2027 class could be filled well before fall camp.
The message to recruits is unmistakable: if you want in, now is the time. Ohio State’s board is tightening, its strategy is evolving, and commitments made sooner rather than later could define the shape of the Buckeyes’ 2027 class. As always, the recruiting trail remains fluid, but one thing is clear—Ohio State knows exactly what it’s looking for, and it’s moving with purpose.
