The Ohio State Buckeyes may be preparing to pull off a classic recruiting power play—one that could send shockwaves through SEC country.
According to Rivals.com national recruiting analyst Greg Smith, Ryan Day’s program is “poised” to flip 2026 defensive line commit Jamir Perez away from the Florida Gators, just weeks after he pledged allegiance to Billy Napier’s program. If the signs are right—and they seem to be—this would be a classic Big Ten raid deep into SEC territory. And make no mistake: Ohio State isn’t targeting just any Florida commit. They’re going after one of their own.
Perez, a 6-foot-4, 360-pound wrecking ball from Cleveland, Ohio, committed to Florida on May 18—but his heart may still be beating Scarlet and Gray. Despite his commitment, the Buckeyes convinced him to visit campus for an official visit and work out at a recent camp in Columbus. And that’s not a coincidence—it’s a calculated strike.
“Perez committed to Florida not too long ago, which should make Gators fans rest easier,” Smith wrote. “However, he set up an official visit to Ohio State after committing. He also camped with the Buckeyes this week… Anytime you’re going against the Buckeyes for a prospect from Ohio that the defending national champs want, it could spell trouble. The Buckeyes are poised for a flip here.”
And that flip could come soon.
Who Is Jamir Perez? A Hidden Gem Built Like a Tank
Though rated a modest three-star in the 2026 cycle, Perez has traits that make college coaches drool. 247Sports lists him as the No. 72 defensive lineman nationally and the No. 27 player in Ohio, but those numbers barely scratch the surface. His frame alone—an intimidating wall of muscle tipping the scales at 360 pounds—makes him one of the most physically gifted big men in the class.
Scouting reports describe Perez as a “square-built nose” who can smother the A-gap with ease. He’s a double-team destroyer with a wide base and natural strength that offensive lines struggle to contain. While he doesn’t yet flash elite pass-rushing traits, the potential is there. And the Buckeyes believe they can unlock it.
“He tends to play with a higher pad level, but natural knock-back power frequently gives him an advantage,” reads his scouting breakdown. “With added development, he could become a rotational anchor in both odd and even fronts at the Power Four level.”
What Makes Him Special to Ohio State?
Perez may not carry five-star credentials, but Ohio State sees something different—a massive, nimble-footed interior presence with the upside to dominate the Big Ten trenches. According to 247Sports’ Bill Kurelic, Perez boasts “good feet for a guy his size,” a rare quality that likely caught the eye of Ohio State defensive line coach Larry Johnson.
Let’s be clear: 360-pound linemen who can move don’t grow on trees. For a program obsessed with controlling the line of scrimmage and sending defensive linemen to the NFL factory year after year, that combination is pure gold.
A Battle Brewing Between Big Ten Power and SEC Prestige
If Ohio State does indeed flip Perez, it will be far more than just another recruiting win—it will be a symbolic victory in the escalating arms race between the Big Ten and the SEC.
Florida thought it secured a gem from enemy territory. But Ohio State, fresh off a national title and fueled by relentless recruiting momentum, may just rip that prize away—proving once again that geography means nothing when the Buckeyes come calling.
Perez is expected to take visits to both programs in the coming months, but the growing chemistry between the lineman and Ohio State’s staff, combined with the allure of staying home to play for the reigning champs, may be too much to ignore.
A Flip Incoming?
Nothing is official yet—but all signs are pointing toward a potential summer stunner. With elite facilities, a proven developmental track record, and home-state pride on their side, Ohio State looks ready to pull off a quiet coup—one that Florida fans won’t soon forget.
So stay tuned. This could be one of those under-the-radar battles that ends up shaping the interior of a national championship defense just a few years from now.
