2027 Defensive End Commits to USC Over Ohio State Football

Mekai Brown, a top-ranked 2027 prospect, chooses Trojans over Buckeyes and other top programs.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:38pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting an abstract football player in motion, with sharp planes of red, silver, and black conveying the dynamic energy of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a top defensive prospect's commitment decision, reflecting the complex factors at play in elite college football recruiting.Columbus Today

Ohio State missed out on landing 2027 four-star edge rusher Mekai Brown, as the highly touted defensive prospect from Connecticut committed to USC over the Buckeyes and several other top college football programs.

Why it matters

Ohio State has built a reputation as a premier destination for elite defensive talent, so losing out on a top-50 national recruit like Brown is a setback for the Buckeyes' 2027 recruiting class. The decision highlights the fierce competition among top programs to land the best defensive prospects.

The details

Brown, the No. 50 overall player and No. 7 edge rusher in the 2027 class per Rivals, chose the Trojans over Ohio State, Notre Dame, Texas A&M, and Ole Miss. The Buckeyes seemed to trail USC and Notre Dame late in his recruitment.

  • Mekai Brown committed to USC on April 17, 2026.

The players

Mekai Brown

A four-star 2027 edge rusher from Connecticut, ranked the No. 50 overall player and No. 7 edge rusher nationally by Rivals.

David Jacobs

A five-star 2027 edge rusher committed to Ohio State, one of nine players currently pledged to the Buckeyes' 2027 recruiting class.

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What they’re saying

“Ohio State's efforts will continue along the defensive line with Brown headed to another Big Ten school.”

— Andrew Gillis, Reporter

What’s next

Ohio State will look to rebound from missing out on Brown by continuing to recruit top defensive line talent for its 2027 class, including five-star commit David Jacobs.

The takeaway

This recruitment loss highlights the intense competition among elite college football programs to land the nation's top defensive prospects. Ohio State will need to redouble its efforts to maintain its status as a premier destination for defensive talent.