With this year’s college football recruiting class and February Signing Day in the rearview, schools will continue to pursue the list of prospects for 2027. Which schools appear to have an early advantage?
Ohio State
According to 247Sports, the Buckeyes landed a hard commit from DJ Jacobs, an edge defender from Roswell, Ga. Jacobs selected the Buckeyes over Auburn, Alabama, Arkansas, and Boston College, among others. Jacobs’ arrival could not come at a better time for the Buckeyes team, which is set to add pass rushers.
Both Caden Curry and presumptive first-round pick Arvell Reese will head to the NFL Draft. Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, at least for this season, will rely on senior Kenyatta Jackson Jr. off the edge.
Additionally, OSU stayed local to grab the No. 11 wide receiver, Jamier Brown. The wideout draws comparisons to program legend Ted Ginn Jr. Brown possesses real speed, both in the 40-yard dash and on the field. He easily separates from defenders with an explosive first step. Assuming Jeremiah Smith leaves for the NFL, the team will need another big-play threat.
Texas Tech
The Red Raiders, via superdonor Cody Campbell, endeavor to continue their monetary support towards the game. So far, they’ve landed two top recruits. Jalen Brewster is the highest-rated defensive lineman on the list.
At 300 pounds, he brings the physical game to the position. Meaning, with his heavy-handed approach, he wants to shed blocks and break into the backfield. Meanwhile, dual-threat Kavian Bryant is a work in progress from a passing standpoint, but sitting a year to develop could eventually pay dividends.
Texas A&M
In the list of the Top 150 players, the Aggies hold the most commits from players. Baltimore’s Raylaun Henry, a cornerback, heads the list as No. 18. Henry brings long arms and a feisty nature in coverage. Head coach Mike Elko builds the defense from the linebackers first.
By the time Henry touches down in College Station, he should be ready to immediately contribute. JayQuan Snell is a six-foot-three safety who could possibly evolve into an off-ball linebacker. However, he shows the instincts to either stay at safety or go for a hybrid rover.
Jayce Johnson is a dual-threat passer who could eventually replace Marcel Reed. Johnson, while he can get to the boundary, will also plant and drive the ball down the field. For as much as Texas A&M loves to have stout interior defensive linemen, they love lanky edge rushers that can bend the corner, even if they gain muscle. Kaden McCarty can get to the edge, but could have issues with packing on substantial size.
He will attempt to use quick hands to bull rush. Now, weighing 215 pounds does not help his cause. Like Snell, Kamarui Dorsey is a taller safety who can function in multiple roles. However, he could possibly operate both in the box and at center field, depending on the scheme and particular call. His final year of high school football should have him continue to play both, in hopes of seeing the field at TAMU sooner.
For an offense that loves the run game, bringing in talented linemen could facilitate that process. Tyler, Tex., lineman DeMarrion Johnson is a tackle prospect with track strength. Meaning, he possesses the power in his hands to jolt and quickly redirect without losing timing or depth.
In contrast, Kaeden Scott plays like a pure left tackle, competing exclusively on the outside. This gives him an advantage when facing wide-ranging edges. The Aggies held the No. 6 spot in PFSN’s CFB Team OL Impact, which means they are serious about the offensive line.
The Aggies, to this point, may not have an elite player in the 2027 class, but they do enjoy a depth of quality athletes they can hopefully turn into eventual starters.
