Ohio State’s 2027 recruiting class is poised for a decisive moment this week as four‑star defensive lineman Karlos May prepares to announce his commitment, a move that would finalize a defensive line haul already featuring DJ Jacobs, Marcus Fakatou and Wyatt Smith.
A pivotal week for the Buckeyes
May, ranked No. 15 among defensive linemen and No. 132 nationally by the 247 Sports Composite, has been courting Ohio State alongside Tennessee and Ole Miss, with Rivals analysts Chad Simmons and Steve Wiltfong consistently projecting the Buckeyes as his most likely destination.
For defensive line coach Larry Johnson, the prospect of adding May would provide the final piece he has been seeking, reinforcing a unit that has already attracted significant attention from the coaching staff.
Head coach Ryan Day has repeatedly emphasized the importance of shoring up the defensive front, stating that May’s arrival would align with the program’s long‑term vision for dominance in the trenches.
The class currently stands at 18 verbal pledges, a figure that coaches expect to be smaller than the 27‑player haul from the previous cycle, reflecting a more selective approach to building a balanced roster.
Beyond the defensive line, the Buckeyes remain in the mix for top‑rated running back David Gabriel Georges, who will announce his decision on July 22 between Ohio State, Tennessee and Ole Miss, adding another layer of intrigue to the upcoming weekend.
What This Means for Ohio State
Should May choose Columbus, the commitment would not only fill a positional need but also reinforce the program’s narrative of landing elite talent on the line, potentially influencing future recruiting cycles and solidifying Ohio State’s reputation as a destination for premier defensive prospects.