Whether it’s Ohio State’s recent run, Michigan’s, or really any team that’s won a national title in the last few decades, former Ohio high school football stars played a role.
Ohio has become a state where the best college programs look to win the recruiting game, as it annually produces some of the best linemen and skill-position prospects in the country. The 2027 class is a prime example of that depth.
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Here’s a look at the top 10 players from the Buckeye State in the 2027 class.
1. Jamier Brown, Big Walnut (Sunbury)
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 5-11
Weight: 192
Commitment: Ohio State
Football recruiting notes: The Buckeyes make it a habit of landing the best receivers in the country, and they didn’t have to go too far to land Brown. Last season, he caught 73 passes for 1,009 yards and 10 touchdowns while also recording two rushing touchdowns and four special teams touchdowns.
2. Ace Alston, Anderson (Cincinnati)
Position: Cornerback
Height: 5-11
Weight: 175
Commitment: Notre Dame
Football recruiting notes: With Notre Dame’s latest run of landing elite defensive backs, the Fighting Irish hope that Alston is next. He helped lead Anderson back to the Division II state championship game, tallying 53 tackles, 16 pass breakups, and two interceptions on the year.
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3. Kel’Shjuan Telfair, Euclid
Position: Cornerback
Height: 6-0
Weight: 160
Commitment: Uncommitted
Football recruiting notes: Telfair is another elite cornerback recruit from who appears to be heading out of state to play college ball. He currently has officials scheduled to Clemson (May 29), Miami (June 5) and Penn State (June 12).
4. Brayton Feister, Archbishop Hoban (Akron)
Position: Athlete
Height: 6-3
Weight: 230
Commitment: Uncommitted
Football recruiting notes: A wrestling and football standout, Feister hasn’t narrowed down his list of top schools, but he’s got plenty of options. As a junior, he racked up more than 130 tackles, and programs like Georgia, Miami, Notre Dame, Oregon, and USC remain heavily involved in his recruitment.
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5. Kellen Wymer, Liberty Center
Position: Interior Offensive Lineman
Height: 6-5
Weight: 265
Commitment: Ohio State
Football recruiting notes: The Buckeyes landed a massive win in their 2026 class when Wymer committed to Ohio State last November. In a class loaded with elite offensive line talent, there’s an argument to be made that he’s one of the five best in the class.
6. Kalel Johnson, Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati)
Position: Offensive Tackle
Height: 6-7
Weight: 281
Commitment: Uncommitted
Football recruiting notes: Ohio State had the momentum in Johnson’s recruitment for some time, but that hasn’t stopped other programs from coming at him. He’s visited Auburn in particular multiple times.
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7. Jordan Karhoff, St. Francis de Sales (Columbus)
Position: Tight End
Height: 6-4
Weight: 215
Commitment: Uncommitted
Football recruiting notes: Already having taken visits to Ohio State, Penn State, and others last fall, Karhoff’s recruitment is likely about to pick up steam as the spring and summer hit. He currently has official visits scheduled to Virginia Tech (May 29) and Texas A&M (June 5).
8. D’Angelo White, Villa Angela-St. Joseph (Cleveland)
Position: Tight End
Height: 6-6
Weight: 245
Commitment: Louisville
Football recruiting notes: The Cardinals have recruited well out of the Buckeye State in recent years, with White being their biggest win so far in the 2027 cycle. While Ohio State is likely to remain in the mix until the end, keeping White committed has to be a priority for Jeff Brohm and co.
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9. Antwoine Higgins Jr., Anderson (Cincinnati)
Position: Linebacker
Height: 6-3
Weight: 215
Commitment: Uncommitted
Football recruiting notes: Higgins was a force for a 14-1 Raptors defense that made it to the state championship. He finished 2025 with 67 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and two interceptions.
10. Reinaldo Perez, Columbus Academy (Columbus)
Position: Defensive Lineman
Height: 6-5
Weight: 245
Commitment: Uncommitted
Football recruiting notes: A rising star in the Buckeye State, naturally, Ryan Day is doing what he can to keep Perez home. The Buckeyes are trending to land Perez, but he has not announced his official top schools yet.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY High School Sports Wire: Ohio’s top 10 football recruits for 2027
