COMMITTED: Larry Johnson Does It Again | Karlos May Commits to Ohio State
Ohio State lands its true interior anchor as Larry Johnson continues to assemble one of the nation’s top defensive line classes.
Larry Johnson Adds Another Difference-Maker to Ohio State’s 2027 Class
Ohio State continues to stack talent in the trenches, as Larry Johnson secured another major recruiting victory with the commitment of four-star defensive tackle Karlos May. The Alabama standout becomes the fourth top-150 defensive line prospect to join the Buckeyes’ 2027 recruiting class.
What Ohio State is Getting
Class: 2027
Position: Defensive Tackle
Height/Weight: 6-3, 305 pounds
School: Ramsay High School (Birmingham, Alabama)
247 Composite: ★★★★
National Ranking: No. 135 Overall | No. 15 Defensive Lineman
May joins an already loaded defensive line class featuring five-star prospects DJ Jacobs and Marcus Fakatou, along with four-star edge rusher Wyatt Smith. Together, the group gives Ohio State one of the nation’s premier defensive line hauls.
The powerful defensive tackle selected Ohio State over Auburn, Georgia and Florida State after taking official visits to each of the finalists throughout June. His visit to Columbus proved to be the turning point, and in the weeks that followed he consistently showed his excitement about the Buckeyes across social media, frequently interacting with Ohio State-related content and highlighting his relationship with Ryan Day and Larry Johnson.
On the field, May is known for his ability to control the line of scrimmage. During his junior season, he totaled 43 tackles, eight tackles for loss, four sacks and two interceptions, showing he can make plays beyond simply occupying blockers. His development is even more impressive considering he missed his sophomore season with an injury after contributing as a freshman.
May also brings impressive athleticism for a 305-pound lineman. He qualified for the Alabama state track and field championships in both the shot put and discus, demonstrating the strength and explosiveness that translate well to the defensive line.
With May’s commitment, Ohio State now has its true interior defensive tackle in the 2027 class. While Marcus Fakatou has the versatility to slide inside if needed, May projects as the natural anchor in the middle and is expected to round out the Buckeyes’ defensive line class.
The commitment also adds another milestone to Larry Johnson’s recruiting résumé. This marks the third recruiting cycle in which Johnson has landed four top-150 defensive line prospects in a single class, further reinforcing his reputation as one of college football’s elite defensive line recruiters.
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Coach’s Take
You win championships by winning up front, and Larry Johnson continues to prove why he’s one of the best in the business. Karlos May fills the one spot Ohio State needed most in this class—a true interior presence with size, strength and athletic upside. His wrestling match in the trenches starts with stopping the run, but his movement skills suggest there’s even more pass-rush potential to unlock. Pairing May with Jacobs, Fakatou and Wyatt Smith gives the Buckeyes a defensive line class that’s built for the future. If this group develops the way Johnson’s best classes have, Ohio State’s defensive front is going to be a problem for the rest of the Big Ten for years to come.
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