The Ohio State Buckeyes football program, led by head coach Ryan Day, faced a significant setback in their recruiting efforts, losing commitments from two highly sought-after defensive prospects in the 2026 and 2027 recruiting classes to rival programs. 

The announcements highlighted the competitive nature of college football recruiting and dealt a blow to Ohio State’s aspirations of bolstering their defensive roster.

Losing Max Brown to Clemson

The first disappointment came with the commitment of 2027 four-star linebacker Max Brown to Clemson. Brown, a standout from Jefferson High School in Georgia, is ranked as the No. 13 athlete in his class according to 247Sports’ Composite Ratings. 

At 6-foot-1 and 214 pounds, Brown showcased his defensive prowess during his sophomore season, recording an impressive 152 tackles and 14 tackles for loss in 2024. His tactical playstyle and athleticism made him a prime target for the Buckeyes, who had offered him a scholarship among 14 other linebacker prospects in the 2027 class. 

Despite Ohio State’s efforts, Brown’s decision to join Clemson marked a significant loss for Day’s program as they begin building their linebacker corps for the future.

Justice Fitzpatrick Commits to Georgia

Hours later, Ohio State received more discouraging news when 2026 four-star cornerback Justice Fitzpatrick announced his commitment to Georgia.

Fitzpatrick, the younger brother of Pittsburgh Steelers star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, is a top-tier talent from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Florida. Ranked as the No. 3 cornerback in the 2026 class and a top-10 player in Florida by 247Sports’ Composite Ratings, Fitzpatrick recorded 34 tackles, seven pass breakups, and two interceptions during his junior season. 

BREAKING: Elite 2026 CB Justice Fitzpatrick has Committed to Georgia, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 6’1 195 CB from Fort Lauderdale, FL chose the Bulldogs over Texas, Ohio State, Florida & Miami

He’s the brother of NFL Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick https://t.co/0R3Id4JekJ pic.twitter.com/vqfgLM6F6S

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 3, 2025

His commitment to Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs over Ohio State and other top programs underscored the Buckeyes’ challenges in securing elite defensive backs. 

This loss is particularly devastating for Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class, as Fitzpatrick’s skills and pedigree made him a cornerstone target for the secondary.

Impact on Ohio State’s Recruiting Strategy

These dual losses highlight the fierce competition Ohio State faces in recruiting top defensive talent, even as the defending national champions coming off a dominant 2024 season. 

With Brown off the board, the Buckeyes will need to pivot to other linebacker prospects in the 2027 class, where they have already offered scholarships to five of the top ten players. 

However, only one other linebacker prospect, Taven Epps, has committed elsewhere (to Texas), leaving potential opportunities for Ohio State to rebound. Similarly, missing out on Fitzpatrick forces Day and his staff to reassess their approach to the 2026 secondary, where they must now compete with programs like Georgia, who continue to dominate recruiting in the Southeast.

Looking Ahead

Despite these setbacks, Ohio State remains a powerhouse in recruiting, with a No. 3-ranked 2026 class and early commitments from five-star prospects like quarterback Brady Edmunds and wide receiver Jamier Brown in the 2027 cycle. 

The Buckeyes’ recent success, including their ninth national championship in 2024, continues to attract high-caliber talent. However, the losses of Brown and Fitzpatrick underscore the need for Ohio State to maintain aggressive recruiting strategies, particularly in the defensive realm, to sustain their dominance. 

As the Buckeyes prepare for a high-profile Week 1 matchup against Texas in 2025, Day will look to leverage the program’s championship pedigree to secure future commitments and fill the gaps left by these missed opportunities.