Recruiting insider says Ohio State football is at the top for coveted elite defender, and the Buckeyes are battling a Big Ten rival

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive line coach Larry Johnson runs a gasser at the conclusion of the Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026. Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Ohio State is busy on the recruiting trail this time of year with spring football over. The Buckeyes are after an elite defender, but they’re going to have to win him over the Oregon Ducks.

The Ohio State Buckeyes have been busy on the recruiting trail as of late with spring practice in the books and summer workouts around the corner.

Ohio State has 11 commitments so far for the class of 2027 and is working to add more. Buckeyes defensive line coach was in California on Wednesday, where Ohio State is battling a Big Ten rival for one of the best defenders in the country.

Buckeyes at the top with the Oregon Ducks for elite 2027 defensive linemen

Ohio State was at Sierra Canyon (CA) on Wednesday to see multiple players, with one of them being four-star DL Kasi Currie. Currie is a top defensive target for the Buckeyes, and word is they have a great shot at landing him. According to Rivals' Adam Gorney, the feeling coming out of Wednesday is that Ohio State is at the top along with Oregon for a pledge from the 6-foot-4, 315-pound defensive tackle.

Coach Johnson's impact is leading the way in Ohio State's pursuit of Currie. The veteran d-line guru has the attention of the talented recruit.