Ohio State Buckeyes are dealing with a major SEC program trying to take a key recruit right out of Columbus
The Buckeyes are going to have to hold off the SEC school if they want to land the talented defender.
Most of the focus for the Ohio State Buckeyes is on finishing the 2026 class strong before shifting attention to the 2027 cycle.
Ohio State already has two key commitments in the 2027 class — five-star wide receiver Jamier Brown and four-star quarterback Brady Edmunds.
The Buckeyes also have the benefit of having a talented four-star defensive lineman in their own backyard in Columbus. However, a major SEC program is trying to jump in front of them for his commitment.
Tennessee Vols trying to land four-star Ohio recruit over the Buckeyes
Columbus Academy (OH) defensive lineman Reinaldo Perez, a four-star prospect in the 2027 class, holds an offer from Ohio State and is a priority target. Perez already has a visit scheduled to Tennessee this fall, and the Volunteers appear ready to make a serious push in his recruitment.
“Tennessee is a threat and he does have a visit set to see the Vols in the fall. But it’s pretty hard to imagine anyone beating out Ohio State here,” On3’s Greg Smith reported.
Smith predicts the Buckeyes will ultimately land Perez in 2027, but notes that Tennessee is their biggest competition. Perez is also considering Florida, USC, Purdue, and Rutgers.
According to the 247Sports Composite, Perez is ranked No. 212 nationally, No. 22 among defensive linemen, and No. 5 in the state of Ohio.
Larry Johnson has his work cut out for him, but with Perez playing right in Columbus, it’s hard to envision the Buckeyes letting the 6-foot-4, 245-pound defender slip away if he remains a top priority. Perez will be at Ohio State for their season opener against Texas in a couple of weeks.
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