Miami looking to claim another victory over Ohio State, and they could be making progress
The Hurricanes are looking to add to their impressive 2027 class with an elite player.
The Miami Hurricanes certainly got the better end of the Ohio State Buckeyes the last time that Mario Cristobal and Ryan Day faced off against each other. The Hurricanes jumped out to a 14-0 early second quarter lead and never gave that lead up in a 24-14 win in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal round at the Cotton Bowl.
But the battle between Ohio State and Miami has continued off the field to secure the services of one of the top players in the 2027 class. Five-star DL David “DJ” Jacobs from Roswell, GA (Blessed Trinity Catholic) picked the Buckeyes over the Hurricanes right before that Cotton Bowl took place.
However, the Hurricanes have not yielded, and they are still working their way into the conversation, according to On 3 Sports/Rivals recruiting insider Steve Wiltfong.
Miami still pushing for 5-star David Jacobs despite commitment to Ohio State
Wiltfong notes that Jacobs plans to attend a handful of Ohio State games this fall, but he says that “conversations continue” with Cristobal and his staff as Miami pushes for one of their top priorities in the entire 2027 recruiting class. He notes he’d have “zero surprise” if the Canes eventually pull off a flip.
And who could blame him for that belief? Miami has been excellent thus far at flipping top-tier recruits. Five-star Long Beach, CA CB Donte Wright (from Georgia), four-star Dothan, AL CB Ai’King Hall, and five-star Irmo, SC DL Jaiden Bryant (from LSU) all flipped in favor of Miami going back to early May.
Ohio State certainly has the resume to back up their recruiting pitch, as the Buckeyes put four defenders and three players in their front seven on NFL rosters inside the first 36 picks of the draft back in April. However, the Hurricanes also proved they’re generating and developing talent as well, with Rueben Bain, Jr. and Akheem Mesidor both going in the first round. DT Ahmad Moten could find himself a high draft pick in 2027 as well.
It could be a tight battle all the way to early signing day in December, and the Buckeyes clearly still hold the upper hand. But it would be foolish to count out Cristobal and company until then.