Five-Star DT Jalen Brewster Puts Ohio State in Top Two Following Visit: Buckeyes Surge in Race for 2027 Star
In a development that has electrified the college football recruiting landscape, Jalen Brewster—the consensus No. 1 defensive tackle in the 2027 class—announced late Monday that Ohio State is now among his “top two” schools, following what he called a “transformational” visit to Columbus over the weekend.
Brewster, a 6-foot-5, 310-pound five-star out of Duncanville High School in Texas, has been at the center of a fierce national recruiting battle for over a year. With elite strength, explosive get-off, and the kind of lateral agility rarely seen in linemen his size, Brewster has drawn comparisons to NFL stars like Chris Jones and Quinnen Williams. His dominance on tape—racking up 18.5 sacks and 29 tackles for loss as a junior—has made him the most coveted defensive prospect in the 2027 class.
But after visiting the Woody Hayes Athletic Center and attending Ohio State’s “Buckeye Bash” weekend, Brewster says the Buckeyes have shot to the top of his list.
“This visit hit different,” Brewster said in a video interview. “The culture, the energy, the brotherhood—they’re not just selling a dream, they’re living it. Coach [Larry] Johnson is a legend. Being around him, learning from him, that’s something special.”
Johnson, Ohio State’s defensive line coach, played a key role in the visit. Known for developing premier talent such as Chase Young, Nick and Joey Bosa, and most recently J.T. Tuimoloau, Johnson has built a reputation as perhaps the best D-line coach in college football. Brewster and Johnson reportedly spent hours reviewing film, dissecting pass-rush technique, and discussing what a potential role in the Buckeyes’ multiple-front defense might look like.
“I could see myself anchoring that D-line in the Shoe,” Brewster said. “They’re building something real.”
Sources close to Brewster say Texas—the in-state powerhouse—is the other school in his top two. Alabama, Georgia, and USC remain in the mix, but the Buckeyes and Longhorns have clearly separated themselves. While Texas can offer proximity and NIL momentum, Ohio State is banking on tradition, NFL pipeline, and coaching continuity to seal the deal.
Brewster’s mother, a former Ohio native, reportedly gave the Buckeyes visit her blessing as well. “That was home to her,” Brewster said. “She felt that vibe again. That matters.”
Though Brewster plans to take at least two more official visits in the fall, his recent remarks suggest a decision could come sooner than expected.
“I want to commit before the All-American Bowl,” he said. “Wherever I go, I’m trying to win championships and get to the League. Ohio State showed me they’re serious about both.”
For Buckeye fans, the visit could mark a pivotal turning point. If Johnson and head coach Ryan Day can close the deal, Jalen Brewster could anchor the next generation of Silver Bullets—and send shockwaves through the 2027 recruiting cycle.
