May Joins Buckeyes
Four-Star Defensive Tackle Karlos May Commits to Ohio State, Bolstering 2027 Defensive Line
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Key Points
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Auburn’s 2027 defensive-line class already features two four-star linemen in its top tier—Nate Kamba and Donivan Moore—with Moore listed as No. 26 among DL prospects, keeping Auburn’s DL class 11th nationally while OSU sits higher at No. 7.
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At the moment of May’s commitment, Auburn’s chances were just over 3% to land him, while Ohio State was positioned with more than 90% likelihood, illustrating a dramatic swing in the recruitment after May’s OSU visit.
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May highlighted defensive-line coach Larry Johnson’s track record in developing NFL-caliber linemen, referencing a pipeline of OSU-produced players and noting Johnson’s ability to get top-level talent ready for the NFL (22 former OSU players trained by Johnson).
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May’s Ramsay High School production included 43 tackles, 4 sacks, and 2 interceptions in a 10-game season, underscoring his impact on the defensive line as OSU adds him to its 2027 class.
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May is the fourth defensive lineman to commit to Ohio State in the 2027 cycle and the second DL commitment in July, joining the ongoing effort that includes another July addition (Jett Harrison) as the staff continues to stockpile front-seven talent.
Four-star defensive tackle Karlos May committed to Ohio State on Friday, choosing the Buckeyes over Auburn, Georgia, and Florida State. May becomes the fourth defensive lineman to join Ohio State's 2027 recruiting class, marking a major July win for coach Ryan Day and his staff. Buckeyes Wire reported that May was previously headed to Georgia before an official visit to Columbus changed everything.
At the time of May's commitment, Ohio State held more than a 90% chance of landing him, according to recruiting analysts. Auburn's odds sat at just over 3%. The gap tells the story of how quickly this recruitment shifted after May set foot on Ohio State's campus.
One Visit Flipped May From Georgia to Columbus
May had Georgia in his sights before Ohio State made its move. Then came the official visit to Columbus, and everything changed. Buckeyes Wire reported that May pointed directly to the visit as the turning point in his decision. Ohio State's campus, program culture, and coaching staff made a strong impression on the Alabama prospect.
May hails from Ramsay High School in Alabama. In his junior season, he recorded 43 tackles, 4 sacks, and 2 interceptions over 10 games. Those numbers show his ability to impact the game in multiple ways — a rare skill for a defensive lineman. Ohio State now adds that versatility to its front seven.
Larry Johnson's NFL Pipeline Sealed the Deal
May did not just fall in love with the campus. He studied the coach. Defensive line coach Larry Johnson has developed 22 former Ohio State players into NFL-caliber linemen. That track record matters to a recruit who wants to play on Sundays. May cited Johnson's ability to get top talent ready for the NFL as a key reason for his choice.
Johnson has built one of college football's most respected defensive line rooms. For a four-star prospect from Alabama, the pitch is simple: come to Columbus, get coached up, and get drafted. That message is clearly landing with top recruits in the 2027 class, as May is Ohio State's second defensive line commit in July alone, joining Jett Harrison.
Auburn Takes Another July Recruiting Hit
Auburn was considered May's second choice heading into his final decision. The Tigers came up short, and SI called it a significant miss for the program. Auburn's July recruiting has struggled across the board, and May's commitment to Ohio State adds to a growing list of disappointments this summer.
Auburn still has two four-star defensive linemen in its 2027 class — Nate Kamba and Donivan Moore. Moore ranks No. 26 among defensive line prospects nationally. That keeps Auburn's DL class ranked 11th in the country. Ohio State, by comparison, sits at No. 7 in team rankings after adding May. The gap between the two programs is widening this cycle.
Ohio State Deepens Its Alabama Recruiting Pipeline
May is from Alabama — and that matters beyond his individual commitment. Since Nick Saban retired from Alabama, Ohio State has moved aggressively into the state. The Buckeyes are pulling top talent from Saban's old recruiting ground, and May is the latest example. This trend gives Ohio State a growing foothold in one of the richest talent-producing states in the country.
With May now on board, Ohio State has four defensive line commits in the 2027 class. Sports Yahoo noted that the haul gives head coach Ryan Day a strong foundation to build the program's front seven for years to come. If the Buckeyes keep landing players like May from the Deep South, their roster depth could become a serious long-term advantage.
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