Despite gearing up for the Cotton Bowl against Miami (FL), Ohio State recruiting never sleeps. After signing the fifth-best class in the 2026 cycle, Ohio State is off to a great start for 2027. On Monday evening, five-star EDGE prospect out of Georgia, David “DJ” Jacobs, surprised recruiting experts and pledged his athletic future to Ohio State. According to 247Sports, Jacobs is currently a five-star athlete and the top-rated player regardless of position in the class. If those ratings hold and he remains with Ohio State, it will be the second top-rated recruit to sign with Ohio State in four seasons, joining Jeremiah Smith.
Jacobs picked Ohio State over the likes of Miami (FL), Texas, and Georgia. He’s the son of former Georgia Bulldog defensive lineman David Jacobs. DJ Jacobs joins a class that is on its way to being a very good one. Currently, Ohio State has the third-best class in the nation, and Jacobs is the second five-star recruit, joining Jamier Brown. He’s also the first on the defensive line to commit to the 2027 class.
Ohio State Earns Commitment From Five-Star EDGE DJ Jacobs
247Sports has compared Jacobs to Travon Walker, the first-overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, if that says anything.
As a junior in 2025, Jacobs capped off an incredible campaign with 102 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, and two forced fumbles. In 2024, as a sophomore, he earned Class AAAA Defensive Player of the Year after posting 112 tackles, 35 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks. As a freshman, he won Georgia’s most outstanding freshman award after amassing 81 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, six sacks, and three forced fumbles. Needless to say, he’s been about as productive as any.
Jacobs is a dominant edge rusher who can win with size, speed, and strength. He is able to destroy and shed blocks with impressive hand placement to go with a powerful lower body. At six-foot-five and 225 pounds, Jacobs has room to add a little mass to his frame.
At Blessed Trinity Catholic, he has been able to win because he’s just plain and simple a bigger and better athlete than his opposition. There is some pass-rushing development to be had. But if the play goes away from him, he has the motor and effort to chase the ball carrier down.
If this holds, this will be Larry Johnson’s biggest recruiting win since Eddrick Houston. Pairing Jacobs up with 2026 signee Khary Wilder could be fun for Johnson when it’s time.
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