June 29, 2026
Ohio State Eyes Third Straight Commit as 5-Star DL Markus Fakatou Set to Announce Monday
The Buckeyes added two commits over the weekend and are targeting a third with five-star defensive lineman Markus Fakatou announcing his college decision Monday night.
Ohio State is positioned to close out a productive recruiting stretch with a third commitment in as many days, as five-star defensive lineman Markus Fakatou is scheduled to announce his college choice Monday night.
Fakatou is considered a priority target for the Buckeyes' program heading into his announcement. His decision comes on the heels of Ohio State securing two commitments over the weekend, giving the program momentum entering Monday.
A Weekend of Momentum in Columbus
The Buckeyes added two commits across the weekend, and the program is looking to extend that run with Fakatou's announcement. A commitment from the five-star defensive lineman would cap a three-day stretch that reinforces Ohio State's standing as one of the nation's premier recruiting destinations.
Ohio State's defensive line recruiting has drawn significant national attention in this cycle. Fakatou's profile as a five-star prospect underscores the caliber of player the Buckeyes are pursuing along the front.
The weekend's recruiting activity also comes with the program's defensive commitments elsewhere remaining firm. Five-star edge rusher David "DJ" Jacobs, the nation's No. 4 prospect in the Rivals Industry Ranking out of Roswell, Ga.'s Blessed Trinity, returned to Columbus for an official visit and reaffirmed his commitment to Ohio State, which dates to late December.
With Jacobs locked in and Fakatou set to announce, Ohio State's defensive recruiting class could add significant star power in a short window. The Buckeyes are awaiting Monday night's announcement to learn whether Fakatou will join the class.
