2027 4-star safety Eli Johnson has committed to Ohio State, according to Hayes Fawcett. The Texas native chose the Buckeyes over Oklahoma, Texas, and Michigan. Johnson ranks as the No. 114 overall recruit and the No. 14 overall safety in the class of 2027.
Johnson, who was in Columbus for a gameday visit, announced his commitment just minutes before the Buckeyes took on the UCLA Bruins. Johnson becomes the seventh recruit to choose Ohio State in the past 2 weeks, and the second safety in the 2027 class to choose Ohio State, joining Angelo Smith. The class holds four other commitments from Brady Edmunds, Kellen Wymer, Mason Wilt and Jamier Brown.
The Cibolo Steele High School product finished his 2024 season with 68 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles. His 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame, combined with elite speed and athleticism, is a nightmare for opposing coaches and players. With one more year to go in his high school career, Eli Johnson will come to Ohio State with all of the right physical tools to be successful at the next level.
The Buckeyes’ safety room has been a significant aid to the stout defensive performance this season. Sophomore safety Jaylen McClain has emerged as the next man up alongside future first-round pick Caleb Downs and continues to develop. Ohio State safeties coach Matt Guerrieri, who spent time with the Buckeyes in 2022 and returned in 2024, has played a central role in making this Buckeyes defense what it is today. With Guerrieri in Columbus, the Buckeyes should continue to see the top talent come their way.
The Buckeyes continue to dominate the recruiting trail, this time with 2026 tight end Nick Lautar. The Lebanon, OH, native flipped his commitment from Louisville. Lautar becomes the 27th member of the Ohio State 2026 recruiting class. The Buckeyes place 7th nationally in the recruiting rankings. Lautar is the lone tight end in the class […]
Cody Croy
Writer
2026 4-star EDGE Dre Quinn has committed to Ohio State. Quinn was previously committed to Clemson. Quinn currently attends Buford High School, a powerhouse that has seen a long line of Division 1 athletes, including Ohio State defensive lineman Eddrick Houston. Quinn finished his junior season with 22 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. […]
Jeremiah Smith wasn’t dominating defenders as usual; he was dominating the pregame buzz. Listed as questionable, his status sent shockwaves through the Buckeye faithful. Compounding the worries, his counterpart on the other side of the hash marks, Carnell Tate, was held out for a second week in a row. Turned out Smith played sparingly, and […]
