Ohio State Poised for Major June Recruiting Victory Over SEC Power
The Ohio State Buckeyes began June 2026 with a small recruiting scare when four-star quarterback Brady Edmunds revealed plans to visit UCLA. Despite this, Edmunds remains committed to OSU, and now another top West Coast prospect appears ready to follow suit.
Head coach Ryan Day and his staff have been aggressively pursuing talent on the opposite coast, continuing the strategy that helped them land five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. last cycle. Now, Ohio State is targeting a blue-chip defensive recruit, with predictions suggesting they could beat out SEC powerhouse Georgia for his commitment.
Marcus Fakatou Emerging as OSU’s Target
Recruiting insider Adam Gorney reports that five-star edge rusher Marcus Fakatou of Sierra Canyon High in Chatsworth, California, is trending toward Ohio State. Gorney notes that Fakatou’s connection with position coach Larry Johnson, the Buckeyes’ NFL-style development, and the chance to play for defensive coordinator Matt Patricia are key draws.
Ohio State has already made a strong impression on Fakatou. During his official visit, the Buckeyes greeted him at the airport, echoing a tactic that previously helped land edge rusher JT Tuimoloau—a player who became a standout at OSU before being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2025.
Competing Programs
Fakatou has also attracted attention from Georgia, Texas, Oregon, and Notre Dame. The Bulldogs reportedly made a strong pitch during his visit, and Texas has been actively recruiting him as well.
Despite the competition, Ohio State appears to be the frontrunner. Adding Fakatou would strengthen the Buckeyes’ recruiting class, which already features five-star DJ Jacobs from Blessed Trinity in Georgia. Together, they would form a formidable edge-rushing duo, giving OSU a major boost on defense and in the national recruiting rankings.
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