Wyatt Smith, a four-star edge rusher out of Fort Lauderdale, announced his commitment to Ohio State on May 17, choosing the Buckeyes over a host of other suitors.
The pledge comes as Ohio State continues to assemble a highly touted 2027 recruiting class, now boasting eight four-star prospects, including the recent addition of five-star edge rusher DJ Jacobs in December 2025.
A family legacy fuels the next generation
Smith follows in the footsteps of his father, Justin Smith, a Pro Bowl defensive end who spent 14 seasons in the NFL after being drafted fourth overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2001. Justin’s career included five consecutive Pro Bowl selections with the San Francisco 49ers, a pedigree that has clearly shaped Wyatt’s football journey.
At St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Smith topped his team in tackles and sacks during the 2025 season, a performance that helped elevate his national ranking to No. 78 among the 2027 class.
The commitment underscores Ohio State’s aggressive approach to securing top talent, a strategy that has paid dividends on the field and in the national rankings. With the new class taking shape, the Buckeyes appear poised to maintain their dominance in collegiate recruiting.