In a significant recruiting victory, Ryan Day has struck a direct blow to Mario Cristobal’s program, snatching a prized five-star prospect from the Miami Hurricanes’ grasp. The Ohio State Buckeyes landed five-star 2027 EDGE David “DJ” Jacobs. It’s indeed a massive jolt for the Buckeyes and a gut punch for the Miami Hurricanes. After all, Jacobs has been Mario Cristobal and Co.’s hot five-star target. 

“🚨BREAKING🚨 5-star EDGE David Jacobs has committed to Ohio State🌰,” Rivals reported on December 29.

A three-year starter at Blessed Trinity (Georgia), he stuffed the stat sheet with 102 tackles and 16 sacks as a junior and is closing in on 292 total tackles through three varsity seasons. Jacobs becomes Day’s squad’s second five-star pledge in the 2027 class.

He is joining No. 2 overall wideout Jamier Brown in a Buckeyes group that already features six ESPN 300 commits. Apart from the stats, what makes the Miami Hurricanes and Georgia Bulldogs bite their nails in regret?

Jacobs’ godfather is former Georgia and Miami head coach Mark Richt. This made both programs hopeful of beating Day in the recruitment race. For Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs, the gash feels deeper. Football runs deep in Jacobs’ bloodlines. 

His father, David Jacobs, once lined up on Georgia’s defensive front before a practice-time stroke abruptly ended his career. While his college journey was cut short, it forged a lifelong relationship with former Bulldogs coach Richt.

That’s when Smart entered the chase, looking to shut the gates on Day and other suitors. Living up to his reputation as a recruiting closer, Smart made a trip to Blessed Trinity High School and charmed the crowd. He told the fans that he needed their help in bringing in a five-star EDGE.

So, Day had to beat such a sincere wooer of Jacobs. And he came off with flying colors. 

“I love everything about Ohio State,” Jacobs said. “I was there for the Rutgers game and that visit really blew me away. The coaches, the players, and the atmosphere made a big impact on me. It’s really about the culture at Ohio State. They valued me and made me feel wanted.”

The electric atmosphere during his visit for the Rutgers game proved to be a deciding factor. Jacobs was reportedly impressed by the coaches, players, and game-day culture at Ohio State.

Now, how is Day going to benefit from Jacobs’ commitment? 

Recruiting renaissance continues with Ryan Day in Columbus

A five-star out of Georgia, Jacobs checks in at 6-foot-5, 225 pounds with a rare blend of length, burst, and power off the edge. He’s already polished with his pass-rush moves. And that toolbox should only get sharper under Day’s defensive line coach, Larry Johnson, who’s quietly reignited his recruiting heat in recent cycles.

“Cast-iron edge defender with the size, speed, and strength to wreak havoc on Saturdays and then Sundays,” 247Sports Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins wrote in Jacobs’ report. “Projects as a future difference-maker for a College Football Playoff contender that can set the edge and get after the quarterback.”

With this, the Buckeyes enjoy the top spot in the 2027 recruiting class. As per On3’s 2027 Industry Ranking football Team Recruiting Rankings, Day and Co. are at No. 1 with nine total commits locked in. In that group, there are two five-star and five four-star ratings, among others.

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In November, Day and Co. went full throttle on the recruiting trail. After all, they had been lagging when it came to the 2026 recruiting class, standing at No. 6 with 28 recruits locked in. 

On a recruiting heater, they locked in three commitments. It started with four-star defensive lineman Emanuel Ruffin and elite corner Jay Timmons, before Tennessee Volunteers commit Legend Bey flipped and joined Day’s squad. 

So, when it comes to the 2027 squad, Ryan Day did not have to wait long. He is already flexing his big haul with David Jacobs.