As the college football calendar turns to May, the nationwide focus shifts sharply to recruiting — and Ohio State is wasting no time making moves. The Buckeyes kicked off the month by extending a wave of scholarship offers to rising stars in the 2026 and 2027 classes, signaling a strong intent to shape their future roster with elite young talent.
One of the most notable offers went to four-star edge rusher Zane Rowe, a highly touted 2027 prospect from Denton, Texas. Rowe, ranked No. 66 overall and the No. 10 edge rusher in his class by 247Sports Composite, already boasts 34 offers. His combination of size, explosiveness, and upside has programs nationwide on alert — and Ohio State wants in early.
Defensive line coach Larry Johnson is continuing his reputation for relentless recruiting. He also offered Emanuel Ruffin, a three-star defensive lineman in the 2026 class. Ruffin, rated No. 451 overall and No. 48 among defensive linemen, projects as an interior tackle. Adding depth to the trenches is a priority, especially since Ohio State currently has no defensive line commitments in its 2026 class.
In the backfield, Ohio State added to its growing list of targets with an offer to 2027 running back Caden Waye. A native of McDonough, Georgia, Waye is ranked the No. 149 overall prospect and the No. 13 running back nationally. He now holds 16 offers, becoming the 13th running back Ohio State has pursued in the class — a sign that the staff is casting a wide net to find its next star runner.
This early activity isn’t just about numbers — it’s about building relationships and momentum. As recruiting camps approach and in-person evaluations ramp up, expect Ohio State’s offer list to grow. The coaching staff is setting the tone now to ensure the Buckeyes remain a top destination for elite prospects in the coming years.
Ohio State’s strategy with the 2027 class is especially aggressive. With high school freshmen and sophomores already receiving national attention, the Buckeyes are taking steps to build trust with young athletes and their families before competition intensifies. Early offers show serious interest — and help set the stage for future visits and commitments.
Speaking of visits, in-state 2026 defensive tackle Jamir Perez is officially scheduled to visit Columbus from June 20–22. The timing couldn’t be more important, as that’s the final official visit weekend before the quiet period begins. The Buckeyes will hope to make a lasting impression on one of the largest — literally — targets on their board.
Perez is listed at a massive 6-foot-4 and 360 pounds, and while he’s only ranked No. 982 overall in the 247Sports Composite, he offers rare size and physical potential. The staff sees an opportunity to mold him into a game-wrecking presence on the defensive front — a true project with a high ceiling.
As the recruiting landscape continues to evolve, speed and strategy are everything. Ohio State knows that with traditional powerhouses like Georgia, Alabama, and Michigan pushing hard in every cycle, there’s no room for complacency. Every early offer could be the beginning of a crucial recruitment battle.
The Buckeyes’ coaching staff is also managing this recruiting push while preparing for a highly anticipated 2025 season. With high-stakes matchups on the horizon — including a Week 1 showdown against Texas and a November clash with Penn State — the program must balance future planning with immediate execution.
Key dates are already on the radar. Big Ten Media Days begin in late July, and the College Football Playoff schedule starts taking shape in mid-December. If the Buckeyes can translate their recruiting momentum into on-field success, they’ll not only strengthen their current title push but secure the foundation for future playoff runs.
In a sport where the margin for error keeps shrinking, Ohio State isn’t leaving anything to chance. With a surge of offers to rising stars, the Buckeyes are playing the long game — and making it clear that the road to greatness runs through Columbus.