Miami continues to push for five-star edge rusher David “DJ” Jacobs, keeping one of the nation’s top 2027 prospects near the center of another major recruiting battle.
Jacobs committed to Ohio State on Dec. 29, 2025, after the Buckeyes beat a group of finalists that included Miami. The Hurricanes never treated that pledge as the end of the process. Their staff kept contact, hosted Jacobs during the spring and continued selling a defensive future built around explosive line play.
The pursuit carries obvious stakes. The 247Sports rankings place Jacobs No. 1 overall in the 2027 class, while the Rivals Industry Ranking places him among the top few national prospects and first among edge defenders. He attends Blessed Trinity Catholic in Roswell, Georgia, and measures around 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds.
Jacobs combines length, burst and physicality with the frame to add college weight. He can threaten an offensive tackle outside, reduce the pocket with power and chase plays from the back side. Those traits give him the type of ceiling that can change a defensive front and a recruiting class.
Ohio State still holds the commitment, and defensive line coach Larry Johnson gives the Buckeyes a strong development pitch. Eleven Warriors reported that Jacobs has continued to speak positively about Ohio State and plans fall trips to Columbus.
Miami, however, has created legitimate pressure. Cristobal’s staff has shown a willingness to recruit committed prospects through signing day, particularly when the player fills a premium position. The Hurricanes also have recent evidence that persistence can produce flips from national powers.
Tennessee has added another complication. A to Z Sports recently placed the Volunteers alongside Miami among the programs trying to pull Jacobs away from Ohio State. Tennessee defensive line coach Rodney Garner coached Jacobs’ father at Georgia, which gives the Volunteers a longstanding family connection.
That development turns a two-program struggle into a broader fight, but Miami still offers a clear message. The Hurricanes can present early playing opportunities, a strong recent track record with defensive linemen and Taylor’s direct influence on edge development. Miami also offers Jacobs a chance to join a class that already carries major national momentum.
The timeline favors continued competition. Jacobs cannot sign for more than a year, and one strong visit can change the direction of a recruitment. Ohio State knows that reality and will continue protecting its highest-ranked pledge.
Miami should keep pressing without assuming that interest equals an eventual flip. Committed prospects often take visits and maintain relationships, yet many still sign with their original choice. The Hurricanes need sustained contact, family trust and a compelling football plan.
Landing Jacobs would give Miami a potential centerpiece at a position that drives modern defenses. Missing would not erase the staff’s progress, but winning would send another national message.
Until Jacobs signs, Miami has reason to stay involved. The Hurricanes have already moved from runner-up to persistent threat. Now they must turn pressure into a decision.
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