COLUMBUS — The Buckeye defensive line room is entering a critical offseason of recruiting, and Ohio State is making early waves by landing itself on the shortlists of several 2027 defensive end (edge) prospects. With departures looming and the depth chart in constant flux, the staff is eager to secure elite talent early—and the recruiting trail is already responding.
One of the first big names to surface is Chris Whitehead, the 6‑foot‑4, 225‑pound EDGE prospect from Chesterfield, Virginia. Whitehead, viewed by many as a future five‑star candidate, recently made an unofficial visit to Columbus and came away impressed, particularly by the program’s culture and defensive staff. He confirmed that Ohio State is among his top schools, saying the coaching staff’s message — about developing not only players but people — resonated deeply.
But Whitehead is far from the only edge rusher drawing attention. The Buckeyes also extended an offer to Adriel Rojas, a 2027 four‑star defensive end from North Forsyth (Georgia). Rojas, listed at 6‑5 and 220 pounds, holds offers from major Power Five programs, and Ohio State is working to establish itself as a top contender in his recruitment.
Closer to home, Ohio State offered Jayce Brewer, a 6‑5, 240‑pound pass rusher from Franklin Central (Indiana). Brewer is currently ranked among Indiana’s top players and has already collected more than 25 Division I offers. His recruitment is one to watch for Columbus fans, since his decision could pivot on how deeply Ohio State is able to engage him.
On a bigger scale, the Buckeyes recently landed a spot on the short list for a top‑five defensive lineman in the 2027 cycle, one that is expected to draw considerable recruiting attention this year. Columbus will host multiple high-profile DL prospects for visits as part of that push. The hope: to convert early momentum into commitments before name recognition and NIL offers from rival programs become overwhelming.
This aggressive posture is hardly surprising given Ohio State’s recent roster turnover on the defensive line. With key contributors off to the NFL or elsewhere, the coaching staff understands that the next few classes will be instrumental in sustaining the Buckeyes’ identity as a dominant defensive unit.
Ohio State’s pitch leans heavily on developmental pedigree. The program has long prided itself on turning elite high school talent into pro-level defensive playmakers. Coaches emphasize weight room growth, technique refinement, and a “next level” training culture. For recruits like Whitehead, those assurances can serve as decisive selling points in a crowded market.
Of course, being on a shortlist doesn’t guarantee a victory. Schools like Alabama, Georgia, Texas, and Oregon remain formidable in recruiting edge talent. Ohio State must remain nimble — arranging campus visits, building relationships, and leveraging its reputation on both on-field success and off-field player development.
Still, the message is clear: in the 2027 cycle, Ohio State is not standing on the sidelines. They’re staking early claims, and for defensive end prospects across the country, the Buckeyes deserve serious consideration.
