Ohio State Flips 2026 DL Darryus McKinley From LSU

The Louisiana three-star gives the Buckeyes a sixth defensive-line pledge in a 2026 group described as likely complete.

Overview

McKinley, from Acadiana High School in Lafayette, had been committed to LSU since August 1 and is ranked No. 600 overall and No. 73 among defensive linemen in the 247Sports Composite.
He joins interior linemen Emanuel Ruffin, Damari Simeon and Jamir Perez, with edge rushers Dre Quinn and Khary Wilder already in the class.
The early signing period runs December 3–5, positioning this move as part of Ohio State’s late-cycle push.
Despite a three-star rating, McKinley holds offers from Auburn, Florida, Miami, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Texas A&M in addition to LSU.
His older brother, Dominick McKinley, was a five-star in the 2024 class and has nine tackles and one sack this season at LSU.