Ohio State recruiting is in a tight battle for another elite offensive tackle, Kal-El Johnson, who could make a difference in this class.

Kal-El Johnson is quickly emerging as one of the most intriguing offensive tackle prospects in the 2027 class, and early on, Ohio State is positioning itself as a major contender. The 6-foot-8, 320-pound lineman out of Archbishop Moeller High School has been on college radars since his freshman year, and as his recruitment begins to take shape, the Buckeyes are firmly in the mix alongside programs like LSU and Texas.

Johnson made it clear he is taking a patient approach. “I’m not rushing, just building good relationships with every coach,” he tells me. That mindset has allowed him to evaluate schools carefully, while also giving programs time to show how much they truly value him. When it comes to priority, he keeps it simple. “If they prioritize me, they will save a spot for me,” he tells me, signaling that trust and honesty from staff will play a major role in where he ultimately lands.

One relationship that already stands out is with Ohio State offensive line coach Tyler Bowen. Johnson did not hesitate when discussing that connection, saying Bowen is his favorite coach in the process. That consistency has helped Ohio State build real momentum, especially considering he has been hearing from head coach Ryan Day and the staff since his freshman year. There is also a personal layer to it. Johnson grew up an Ohio State fan, and with his grandfather having ties to the program, he tells me, “I have always been an Ohio State fan.”

Visits will still play a key role moving forward, with Johnson planning trips to Georgia Tech along with official visits to Indiana, Ohio State, Texas, and LSU. Even with that schedule ahead, he admits some separation is already beginning to form. “Schools are starting to stick out, but I’m still completely open,” he tells me. The Buckeyes also benefit from strong peer connections, as he has friends on the roster and current commits actively recruiting him to join the class.

From a football standpoint, Ohio State’s vision is clear. “They see me strictly as an offensive tackle,” he tells me, a role that fits his frame and long-term upside. When it comes to making a decision, Johnson is focused on more than just football, emphasizing education, development toward his NFL goals, and the overall environment of the program, even down to daily life and the people he is surrounded by.

Johnson says he could take his recruitment all the way to signing day, but with the relationships already built, the fit both on and off the field, and the continued push from those around him, Ohio State has firmly established itself as a program to watch closely as this recruitment unfolds.