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Ohio State Turns UCLA Weekend Into Recruiting Surge With 2026 Flip and 2027 Four-Star Pledge

The visit weekend translated into immediate pledges that strengthened the 2026 defense-first class, accelerating the 2027 build.

Overview

  • Four-star 2027 safety Eli Johnson committed about an hour before kickoff of the UCLA game, ranking No. 114 overall and No. 10 at safety in the 247Sports Composite.
  • Four-star 2026 edge rusher Dre Quinn, a former Clemson commit, pledged the next morning after his official visit; he is No. 391 overall and the No. 36 edge per 247Sports.
  • Ohio State flipped in-state tight end Nick Lautar from Louisville on Sunday, giving the Buckeyes their 27th commitment in the 2026 class and filling their tight end spot.
  • The 2026 defensive front is largely set with edges Khary Wilder and Quinn joining interior linemen Damari Simeon, Emanuel Ruffin, Cameron Brickle and Jamir Perez.
  • Coaches credit early evaluations and game-week hosting for the momentum as the Dec. 3 early signing period approaches, with the 2027 group growing quickly alongside 2026.