Four‑star defensive lineman Karlos May, a standout from Birmingham, Alabama, announced his commitment to Ohio State, electing the Buckeyes over Auburn, Georgia and Florida State.
Commitment Details
May, listed as the No. 7 defensive line prospect and No. 78 overall in the Rivals 300 for the class of 2027, becomes the second top‑10 defensive line recruit to join Ohio State, following Marcus Fakatou.
His pledge bolsters a class that already includes top interior linemen DJ Jacobs and Wyatt Smith, as well as offensive standouts Kellen Wymer and Caden Moss, creating a deep and versatile front line for the Buckeyes.
May concluded his 2025 campaign at Ramsay High School with 43 tackles, eight tackles for loss and four sacks, while also competing in shot put and discus for the school's track and field team.
Rivals analyst Greg Biggins praised May's explosive get‑off among interior defensive linemen and highlighted his potential as a pass rusher, noting that the prospect's physical tools could translate into immediate impact.
Rival Commitments
The commitment comes as Auburn secures four‑star defensive linemen Donivan Moore, Marquis Evans and Nate Kamba, while Georgia adds Antwan McKoy and Marcellus Young Casario to its defensive line haul, and Florida State retains Sam LeJeune, the No. 25 defensive lineman in the class.
Ohio State's coaching staff, represented by the university's athletics communications office, emphasized the significance of retaining a home‑grown talent like Karlos May, who chose the program despite visits to rival campuses.
The recruiting landscape also features names such as Eric Vaulx Jr., whose future plans remain under discussion, underscoring the breadth of interest surrounding the class.
Overall, Ohio State's 2027 class ranks among the nation's most competitive, with multiple top‑10 prospects across both defensive and offensive lines, reflecting a strategic focus on building a dominant line corps.
The commitments from prospects across the Southeast illustrate the intense regional competition, yet Ohio State's ability to secure Karlos May signals a strong foothold in the market.