Ohio State’s coaching staff visits multiple 2027 top targets

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Thursday marked yet another full-throttle day on the recruiting trail for Ohio State’s coaching staff, as the Buckeyes fanned out across the country to check in on some of the nation’s top prep prospects. With the contact period in full swing, high school recruiting has taken center stage over the past few days, and Ohio State is wasting no time making sure its presence is felt in living rooms from coast to coast.

That doesn’t mean the transfer portal has been pushed to the side — far from it. The Buckeyes continue to keep a close eye on portal movement, always searching for ways to fine-tune the roster for 2025 and beyond. Still, Thursday’s focus was squarely on the high school ranks, and several big-name targets received visits. Here are a few prospects Buckeye fans will want to keep a close eye on.

Four-star linebacker gets visit from OSU staff

Make no mistake about it — Ohio State’s linebacker room is in a far better place thanks to position coach James Laurinaitis. A proven success both on the field and now on the sideline, Laurinaitis has quickly established himself as an elite developer and recruiter, stacking strong cycles year after year. The Buckeyes put together an impressive linebacker haul in 2026, but the staff is already turning the page to 2027, and one name firmly on the radar is four-star target Mikahi Allen.

Allen, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound standout from powerhouse Don Bosco Prep, was a major focus on the trail yesterday as Laurinaitis made the trip to New Jersey alongside defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. Ranked No. 190 nationally and the No. 10 linebacker in the 2027 class according to the 247Sports Composite, Allen doesn’t yet hold an Ohio State offer, but an in-person visit from both his potential position coach and the defensive coordinator speaks volumes about where things may be headed.

With offers already in hand from programs like Auburn, Florida State, Miami, Michigan, Oregon, and Tennessee, Allen is no stranger to national attention. Ohio State, meanwhile, already has one linebacker committed in the class with Quinton Cypher, but Laurinaitis is expected to take at least two more. Should an offer come down the line — and it certainly feels possible — Allen is a name Buckeye fans will want to keep a close eye on moving forward.

Buckeyes check in on top edge rusher

Staying on the defensive side of the ball, Ohio State also made a stop in Connecticut on Thursday to check in on edge rusher Mekai Brown, another high-upside target in the 2027 class. From a pure tools standpoint, there aren’t many prospects more eye-catching than Brown, who stands 6-foot-7 and 230 pounds with the kind of length and frame college coaches dream about when projecting pass rushers to the next level.

Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia was on hand for the visit, a notable detail in itself. Ohio State sending its DC on the road underscores just how serious the staff is about Brown, and it’s also encouraging to see Patricia actively recruiting amid continued speculation about potential NFL interest should he want to make that jump again down the line.

Ranked No. 57 nationally and the No. 6 edge rusher in the 2027 cycle according to the 247Sports Composite, Brown already boasts an offer list nearing 30 schools. Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas A&M, USC, and several other national powers are firmly in the mix, and Ohio State has made sure its name is right there alongside them.

Edge rusher is always a premium position in any class, and 2027 will be no different. While the Buckeyes already have DJ Jacobs committed, the expectation is that at least one more edge defender will be needed to truly round out the group. Brown would certainly fit that mold. For now, Ohio State continues to sell its vision and why Columbus could be the best place for him to reach his ceiling.

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos