BOOM! Ohio State lands a commitment from defensive back Jaden Carey, beating out Miami and Auburn, adding to its 2027 recruiting class.
Ohio State has once again dipped into one of the nation’s premier high school football programs, landing a commitment from Jaden Carey. Fresh off a strong recruiting battle that included Miami and Auburn, the 6-foot, 175-pound cornerback announced his commitment to the Buckeyes, giving Ohio State another important addition to its 2027 class.
Carey becomes the latest standout from powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas to choose Columbus, continuing a pipeline that has produced several Buckeye targets and commits over the years.
What Ohio State Is Getting
Ohio State is adding a cornerback with all the tools to develop into a major contributor at the next level. Carey possesses exceptional ball skills, strong athletic ability, and the instincts needed to make plays in coverage. At 6-foot and 175 pounds, he has the frame and movement skills that Ohio State covets at the position.
Whether it’s tracking the football in the air, breaking on routes, or matching up with receivers in space, Carey consistently shows the traits of a high-level defensive back. His combination of athleticism and natural playmaking ability makes him one of the more exciting additions to the Buckeyes’ secondary haul.
A Familiar Pipeline for the Buckeyes
Carey’s commitment continues Ohio State’s success at St. Thomas Aquinas, one of the most talent-rich programs in the country. The Buckeyes have built strong relationships within the program over the years, most notably landing Joey and Nick Bosa and, more recently, 2027 commit Wyatt Smith.
Those connections have helped Ohio State maintain a strong presence at the Florida powerhouse, and adding another talented prospect from the Raiders only strengthens that relationship moving forward. For the Buckeyes, securing Carey over programs like Miami and Auburn is another recruiting win in one of the nation’s most competitive talent-producing regions.
The Secondary Class Continues to Take Shape
With the addition of Jaden Carey, Ohio State’s secondary class is beginning to come into focus. The Buckeyes now hold commitments from two cornerbacks and two safeties, giving Coach Tim Walton and the defensive staff a strong foundation to build upon as the cycle progresses. While there is still work to be done, Ohio State appears to have a clear vision for how it wants to finish this defensive back haul.
The Buckeyes are expected to add at least two more players to the secondary, including another cornerback target who has been heavily linked to Ohio State throughout the process. Landing Carey was a major step toward completing that plan and gives the staff flexibility moving forward as they continue to evaluate the remaining board.
Beyond the numbers, Carey brings a skill set that complements the other defensive backs already committed. Ohio State has emphasized length, athleticism, versatility, and playmaking ability throughout the cycle, and Carey checks every one of those boxes. As the class continues to come together, the Buckeyes are assembling a group capable of playing multiple roles within the secondary while maintaining the speed and athleticism needed to compete at the highest level.
Final Thoughts
Carey’s commitment represents another significant recruiting win for Ohio State and further strengthens what is shaping up to be one of the better defensive back classes in the country. Winning a battle over programs like Miami and Auburn is never easy, especially when recruiting a Florida prospect from a powerhouse program like St. Thomas Aquinas.
Between his athletic ability, ball skills, and long-term upside, Carey has all the traits Ohio State looks for in a cornerback. As the Buckeyes continue adding pieces to the 2027 class, his commitment could prove to be one of the most important building blocks in a secondary group that is quickly becoming a strength of the cycle.
I’ve had the privilege of working across every corner of the sports media landscape—from covering Friday night lights as a beat writer for PrepRedzone, to reporting with the team at News Channel 4 WSMV (NBC affiliate), and diving deep into recruiting and scouting as an intern at Middle Tennessee State. During my time as a college student at MTSU, I also honed my broadcasting skills at the campus radio station, bringing live sports coverage and in-depth analysis to listeners across campus. My passion for sports runs deep, but nothing fires me up quite like Ohio State football. I can’t wait to bring my energy, experience, and Buckeye enthusiasm to this new opportunity!