COLUMBUS — The Ohio State coaching staff hit the recruiting trail hard on Wednesday, dishing out several new offers to high-profile prospects for the 2027 class, and their efforts are showing no signs of slowing down. As the evaluation period continues, the Buckeyes have made significant moves to expand their footprint across the country, including the addition of some top-tier athletes.
With summer visits on the horizon, the coaching staff is building a strong foundation for their 2027 recruiting class, which is shaping up to be another impressive haul. Here’s a closer look at some of the new names the Buckeyes have added to their recruiting board:
Jaxon Dollar (Denver, North Carolina/East Lincoln)
A 6-foot-5, 208-pound tight end, Dollar is quickly rising through the ranks as one of the top players in the 2027 class. The Buckeyes extended an offer after a conversation with position coaches James Laurinaitis and Keenan Bailey. Dollar is already a highly-regarded recruit, ranking as the No. 85 player nationally and the fourth-best tight end in the country, according to the 247Sports Composite. He holds offers from a host of major programs including Alabama, Florida State, and Michigan. Ohio State is targeting North Carolina harder this cycle, and with Dollar’s skills and upside, the Buckeyes are aiming to make a significant impact in the Tar Heel State. The next step will be bringing Dollar to Columbus for a visit.
Kelsey Adams (Atlanta, Georgia/Langston Hughes)
As Ohio State continues to prioritize talent from Georgia, they extended an offer to 6-foot-5, 287-pound offensive tackle Kelsey Adams. Ranked as the No. 49 player nationally and the fourth-best offensive tackle in the 2027 class, Adams is a prime target for the Buckeyes. With offers from schools like Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, the competition is fierce, but Ohio State’s offensive line coach Tyler Bowen is ready to make a push. Ohio State has had significant success in Georgia, and Adams could become the latest in a long line of top-tier linemen to join the Buckeyes.
Joshua Sam-Epelle (Douglasville, Georgia/Douglas County)
Ohio State didn’t stop at one Georgia offensive line target, as they also offered 6-foot-9, 340-pound tackle Joshua Sam-Epelle. Ranked as the No. 189 player nationally and the 18th-best tackle in the 2027 class, Sam-Epelle is a massive presence in the trenches. His size and skill make him an ideal fit for the Buckeyes, who are hoping to capitalize on his impressive frame and potential. With over 30 offers from top programs such as Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, Ohio State faces stiff competition, but they’re in the mix and will look to make a significant push moving forward.
Lincoln Mageo (Oceanside, California/Oceanside)
The Buckeyes are extending their recruiting reach to the West Coast, offering 6-foot-4, 280-pound interior offensive lineman Lincoln Mageo. Ranked as the No. 356 player nationally and the 21st-best at his position, Mageo is a key target for Ohio State as they continue to make inroads in California. With offers from programs like Michigan, Texas, and Washington, Mageo is a sought-after recruit. Ohio State’s growing presence in California could pay off, as they aim to solidify their position in the Big Ten’s expanded footprint.
Quick Hits
Ohio State’s 2026 class continues to build momentum, currently ranked No. 3 nationally with just 12 commits. The Buckeyes are targeting defensive back Jordan Thomas, who is set to announce his decision on May 12. Ranked as the No. 176 player nationally and the 17th-best cornerback, Thomas is closely linked to Ohio State, and many expect the Buckeyes to be in the lead for his commitment. If Ohio State lands Thomas, it would mark another significant addition to an already impressive secondary class.
With the recruiting calendar heating up, Ohio State is poised for more key commitments in the coming weeks as they look to build one of the top recruiting classes in the country for the 2027 cycle.