BOOM! Ohio State adds a massive recruit to its 2027 class as four-star DL Karlos May joins the Buckeyes, boosting its defensive talent.
The Ohio State defensive line just got a major injection of talent. Highly touted four-star prospect Karlos May announced his commitment to the Buckeyes on Saturday. May chose Ohio State over Georgia, Auburn, and Florida State to cap off a high-stakes recruitment and provide a massive cornerstone for the 2027 class.
May, the 6-foot-3, 305-pound interior force, is exactly the type of disruptive presence defensive line coach Larry Johnson has been targeting. He is expected to plug gaps and dominate the line of scrimmage in a fashion reminiscent of recent Buckeye standouts like Kayden McDonald, with his powerful initial punch and ability to collapse the pocket from the inside.
While he arrives with an impressive frame from Ramsay High School in Birmingham, Alabama, his development within the program’s strength and conditioning system becomes a focus early in his career. Coaches and analysts alike are optimistic that May will undergo a physical transformation, refining his current build into an elite-level force capable of anchoring the middle of the defense.
BOOM! 2027 four-star DL Karlos May has committed to Ohio State!
The 6’4 305lb Alabama native is rated as the No. 15 DL in the 2027 class.
HUGE pickup for the Buckeyes to add to their stellar DL haul this cycle! pic.twitter.com/bkFLlNDrNG
— The Silver Bulletin (@tSilverBulletin) July 18, 2026
Strengthening the Future Defense
Securing May’s commitment is a pivotal win for Larry Johnson, who continues to demonstrate his timeless ability to attract top-tier talent to Columbus. By rounding out a defensive line group that already features three elite edge rushers, the Buckeyes have assembled a unit that is drawing comparisons to the program’s historically dominant 2021 class.
The commitment also serves as a testament to the trust recruits place in Coach Johnson’s pedigree. Despite outside noise and negative recruiting tactics, May’s decision highlights the enduring belief that the Buckeyes remain the premier destination for defensive line development.
For the program, May is viewed as a foundational piece who possesses the intangibles, including strong leadership traits and a high football IQ, necessary to compete for playing time early in his career. His pledge sends a clear signal to the rest of the 2027 class that Ohio State is building a defensive front capable of competing for championships.
With this major hurdle cleared, the staff turns its attention to finalizing the rest of the 2027 class that is rapidly becoming one of the most talented in the nation. Stay tuned to The Silver Bulletin as we provide reaction and analysis on what Karlos May’s commitment means for the future of the Ohio State defense.
Blake Biscardi serves as Co-Founder, Lead Reporter, and Senior Editor of The Silver Bulletin. He hosts the Buckeye Cadence podcast, where he breaks down Ohio State football and basketball with an inside look into the programs. Covering Julian Sayin in New York City in 2025 was his Heisman moment, which became a viral moment in its own right. Biscardi is a member of the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and has degrees in Business Administration and Strategic Communication & Leadership.