Five-Star Defensive Lineman Marcus Fakatou Commits to Ohio State

Key Points:

• Five-star defensive lineman Marcus Fakatou committed to Ohio State, choosing the Buckeyes over Georgia and Texas, joining the 2027 recruiting class as the No. 26 overall prospect and No. 2 defensive lineman nationally.
• Fakatou, standing 6-foot-7 and 275 pounds, is versatile enough to play defensive tackle or defensive end, with Ohio State likely to develop him as a three-technique defensive tackle in their 4-2-5 defense.
• He impressed Ohio State early in recruitment and made multiple visits to Columbus, ultimately committing a month after his official visit in late May.
• Fakatou is Ohio State’s third defensive line commitment in the 2027 class, joining five-star DJ Jacobs and four-star Wyatt Smith, as the Buckeyes aim to complete their defensive line class with another top recruit, Karlos May.
• Ohio State now has 18 commits for 2027, including nine defensive players across various positions, marking one of the strongest defensive recruiting classes in recent years under coach Larry Johnson.