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The Ohio State Buckeyes are building momentum early on the 2027 recruiting trail. Ryan Day’s program sits No. 1 in On3’s class rankings with nine commits already locked in.
Ryan Day isn’t slowing down, and now he has defensive coordinator Matt Patricia helping push the pace. The two were recently spotted together on the trail, signaling a full-effort recruiting approach.
Offensive tackle target Brody McNeel posted a photo on Instagram with Day and Patricia, captioning it “#gobucks.” McNeel, listed as the No. 5 interior offensive lineman in the 2027 class by Rivals, already committed to the Buckeyes in November 2025.
The 6-foot-5, 285-pound prospect chose Ohio State over Penn State, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Day and Patricia also stopped in Raleigh to visit linebacker commit Quinton Cypher.
Cypher’s mother, Alicia, shared the moment online. She posted on X, “Do you have any idea how much I’m fan-girling right now?!?!! #InthePresenceOfGreatness,” tagging the coaches and her son.
Ryan Day is already a strong closer on the trail, but adding Patricia gives recruits and families extra confidence. Patricia spent 19 seasons in the NFL with six Super Bowl appearances and three championship rings, including 14 seasons under Bill Belichick in New England.
Before joining Ohio State, Patricia had not recruited since his Syracuse days from 2001–03. Even after a long gap, he showed confidence about jumping back in.
“I love the recruiting process… I’m in the deep end right now,” Patricia told reporters in March 2025. He said relationship-building and family conversations are critical for recruiting success.
A year later, Patricia has stayed active and productive. Ohio State landed 5-star edge rusher David Jacobs from Blessed Trinity and won a commitment from Angelo Smith, younger brother of former Buckeye star Jeremiah Smith. Angelo earned his offer in June after impressing at a Buckeyes summer camp.
While Ohio State is rolling in the 2027 cycle, the transfer portal has delivered challenges. According to On3’s transfer portal rankings, the Buckeyes finished the last window at No. 34 after gaining 16 players but losing 32, including 16 defensive departures.
Five defensive linemen exited. Dominic Kirks remains uncommitted, Jarquez Carter moved to Miami, Trajen Odom joined Arkansas, Eric Mensah committed to Virginia Tech, and Maxwell Roy transferred to UCLA.
Ryan Day managed to add defensive linemen John Walker from UCF and James Smith from Alabama, but the roster holes were still significant. To avoid a step backward, Day focused on experience upgrades through the portal.
“Ohio State lost 32 career starts in the portal. Ohio State added 147 career starts,” BuckeyesFansOnly wrote in their portal report card, calling it the “best way possible” to reload.
Ryan Day treated the roster like a chessboard, moving out lower-experience pieces and bringing in proven starters. With Patricia in his corner and a top-rated 2027 class coming together, Ohio State remains in strong position heading into 2026 and beyond.
FAQ:
Why is Matt Patricia involved in Ohio State recruiting?
Matt Patricia joined Ryan Day’s staff as defensive coordinator. Even though his NFL background is long, he is now helping with recruiting to bring strong defensive talent to Ohio State.
When was the last time Matt Patricia recruited before joining Ohio State?
Before joining Ohio State, Patricia had not recruited since his time at Syracuse from 2001 to 2003.
Who are the major recruits Ohio State landed for the 2027 class?
Key commits include 5-star EDGE David Jacobs, offensive lineman Brody McNeel, and wide receiver Angelo Smith.
Who is Angelo Smith and why is his commitment notable?
Angelo Smith is the younger brother of former Ohio State star Jeremiah Smith. He earned an offer after performing well at a Buckeyes summer camp.
What happened to Ohio State’s defensive roster in the transfer portal?
Ohio State lost 32 players to the transfer portal, and 16 were defensive players, creating major roster gaps.
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