Ohio State's 2027 recruiting class is shaping up to be a defensive powerhouse, with the addition of four-star defensive tackle Karlos May. May's commitment marks a significant milestone for head coach Larry Johnson, who has now landed four top-150 prospects in a single recruiting class for the third time in his tenure. This achievement is all the more impressive considering the competition for May's services, as he chose Ohio State over powerhouse programs like Auburn, Georgia, and Florida State.
What makes May's commitment particularly intriguing is his unique skill set. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds, he is a run-stuffing defensive tackle with a track record of success. As a junior in 2025, May recorded an impressive 43 tackles, eight tackles for loss, four sacks, and two interceptions. However, his journey to becoming a top recruit was not without challenges. May missed his entire sophomore season due to an injury, which raises questions about his long-term development and consistency. Despite this setback, May's ability to bounce back and excel as a junior is a testament to his resilience and determination.
One thing that immediately stands out about May is his versatility. While he is primarily a defensive tackle, he also has the potential to play defensive end, as demonstrated by his impressive track and field achievements. In 2025, May qualified for the Alabama state meet in both the shot put and discus, setting personal bests of 50 feet, ¼ inch in the shot put and 133 feet, 4 inches in the discus. This dual-sport ability is a rare and valuable skill, and it raises questions about May's potential in multiple positions on the field.
May's commitment to Ohio State also fits into a larger trend of Alabama natives choosing to play for the Buckeyes. In the past three years, Ohio State has landed four recruits from the state of Alabama, including 2025 signees Zion Grady and Anthony "Turbo" Rogers, and 2026 signee Emmanuel Ruffin. This trend is particularly notable given the recent additions of transfers like former Alabama defensive linemen James Smith and Qua Russaw, and running back Quinshon Judkins. The common thread among these recruits is their desire to play for a program that values hard work, discipline, and a strong sense of community.
In my opinion, May's commitment to Ohio State is a significant development for the program and a testament to the work of head coach Larry Johnson. It also raises questions about the future of the defensive line and the potential for May to become a cornerstone of the team. As a fan of college football, I am excited to see how May's unique skill set and resilience will translate to the college level. In my view, May has the potential to become a dominant force on the defensive line and a key component of Ohio State's success in the coming years.
