Columbus Pilfers 6’7, 275-Pound Behemoth
Class of 2027 five-star defensive end Marcus Fakatou announced his commitment to Ohio State on the Rivals YouTube channel, spurning Texas and Georgia after a whirlwind visit cycle that included Oregon and Notre Dame. The Sierra Canyon standout piled up 69 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and seven sacks last season, bringing rare size and a rugby-honed physicality at 6-foot-7 and 275 pounds. His decision caps a blazing June for the Buckeyes recruiting class, joining fellow DLs DJ Jacobs and Wyatt Smith, and marking the sixth pledge of the month. Even at 74 years old, defensive line coach Larry Johnson continues to crisscross the country, convincing blue-chip prospects that Columbus is the place to develop into NFL-ready stalwarts. With July prospects on the horizon, OSU’s coaching staff is riding high after landing arguably the class’s biggest prize.
Who knew Ohio State recruiting was less about cutting edge X’s and O’s and more like a blockbuster toy giveaway? Picture 74-year-old Larry Johnson in full safari gear, brandishing a whistle as he lures unsuspecting teenagers off the football recruiting reservoir. Meanwhile, Marcus Fakatou probably thought he was signing up for a rugby club full of bearded hipsters until he realized his new roommates bench-press their body weight for breakfast. Yet here we are: a 6-7 defensive end walking into Columbus ready to flex on offensive lines like it’s a Midwest Strongman contest. Stay tuned for the inevitable highlight reel of offensive coordinators crying into their clipboards.
From Scarlet Glory to Huskies’ New Hero
Former Ohio State defensive end Joshua Mickens, Indiana’s top pass-rushing prospect in 2022, has entered the transfer portal and committed to UConn. After three seasons in Columbus with modest stats—six tackles and one sack across 12 games—Mickens cited leadership, faith and a fresh opportunity under new Huskies coach Jim Mora and defensive line mentor Al Washington as key factors. Once lauded by Ryan Day for his athleticism and upside, Mickens seeks more playing time and development toward his NFL dreams. He credited divine guidance and familial endorsements that pointed him toward Storrs, convinced by stories of program vision and mother-approved coaching reputations.
If Joshua Mickens wanted a PhD in Dramatic Plot Twists, he couldn’t pick a better script: from Ohio State’s crystal palace to UConn’s underdog soap opera. Imagine Mickens penning a faith-filled soliloquy about listening to the Lord, right before trading scarlet and gray for blue and white—because nothing says divine destiny like swapping perennial powerhouse for “the little engine that could.” One can’t help but picture Ryan Day blinking in confusion as Mickens boards a train to Connecticut, suitcase full of four-star Yelp reviews of Jim Mora’s motivational speeches. But hey, sometimes the Holy Spirit prefers a mid-major audience.
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