Ohio State is deep in the thick of its 2027 recruiting cycle, a window that could define the next era of Buckeye football. The program is targeting a top‑five class, and every commitment is being weighed against national powerhouses.
At the center of that conversation is Wyatt Smith, a four‑star edge rusher out of St. Thomas Aquinas. Listed at 6‑foot‑6 and 235 pounds, he sits at No. 11 among edge prospects nationwide, making his pledge a coveted prize.
Smith comes from a football pedigree that includes his father, former NFL standout Justin Smith, whose career helped shape the next generation of pass rushers. That lineage adds a layer of intrigue to his recruitment story.
The recruiter’s role
Coach Larry Johnson, the Buckeyes’ defensive line guru, has taken the lead in courting Smith, positioning Ohio State as the primary destination over a handful of elite alternatives.
The competition includes Missouri, Nebraska, Indiana and Notre Dame, each offering a compelling pitch, but the Buckeyes’ recent track record of developing talent from St. Thomas Aquinas gives them a distinct edge.
DJ Jacobs, a five‑star edge prospect, headlines the broader 2027 class for Ohio State, underscoring the program’s ability to attract multiple marquee names. Historically, the university has leveraged its connections with high schools like St. Thomas Aquinas to build a pipeline of elite defenders.
If Smith signs, the impact would ripple through the defensive scheme, potentially elevating the pass rush to new heights and reinforcing the Buckeyes’ quest for a top‑five recruiting class.