The Ohio State Buckeyes have made a significant addition to their 2027 football recruiting class with the commitment of four-star cornerback Jaden Carey. This move is particularly intriguing, as it showcases the program's ability to attract top talent from across the country, even when faced with strong competition from other prestigious institutions.
Carey, a 6-foot-170-pound cornerback from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, chose Ohio State over a list of 40 offers from top programs like Miami, Auburn, Florida, and Notre Dame. His commitment is a testament to the program's ability to build relationships and trust with recruits, as he cited the Buckeyes' unwavering belief in him and their care for his family as key factors in his decision.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this commitment is the connection between Carey and the Buckeyes' coaching staff. His father, Marcus Carey, played for the Miami Hurricanes alongside current Miami head coach Mario Cristobal. However, Jaden Carey chose Ohio State, which highlights the program's ability to overcome family ties and build a strong case for itself.
Carey's commitment also has implications for the future of the Buckeyes' defense. He is the second player from St. Thomas Aquinas High School to commit to Ohio State in the 2027 class, joining defensive end Wyatt Smith. The school is a powerhouse in Florida, having won seven straight state championships, and is the alma mater of former Buckeye stars Nick and Joey Bosa. Carey hopes to add a third St. Thomas Aquinas defender to the class, which would be a significant achievement for the program.
In terms of his playing style, Carey is a gifted athlete and cover corner who excels at making plays on the ball. While he will need to add some weight to prepare for the physicality of playing in the Big Ten, his potential is clear. He could play either cornerback or nickel at Ohio State, which provides flexibility for the coaching staff.
The Buckeyes' 2027 recruiting class is already shaping up to be a strong one, with Carey joining defensive back Deontay Malone and safeties Eli Johnson and Angelo Smith. The program is also viewed as the frontrunner to land in-state cornerback Monsanna Torbert Jr., who visited the Buckeyes alongside Malone. If Torbert commits, he would likely be the final cornerback in Ohio State's 2027 class.
In my opinion, the Buckeyes' ability to attract top talent like Jaden Carey is a testament to the program's strength and depth. The commitment of players like Carey and Smith from St. Thomas Aquinas High School is a significant achievement, and it will be interesting to see how the program continues to build on this success in the coming years.
