Four-star cornerback Jaden Carey committed to Ohio State on Wednesday, marking the second defensive back pledge for the Buckeyes in four days. According to 247Sports, the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, native chose Ohio State over finalists Miami and Auburn, becoming the 15th member of the program’s 2027 recruiting class.
Why did Jaden Carey choose Ohio State?
Carey cited the consistent attention from the coaching staff as the primary driver for his decision. During his live-streamed commitment, Carey noted that the Buckeyes "believed in me since the jump" and emphasized that the staff prioritized his family throughout the recruiting process. Despite his father, Marcus Carey, playing for the Miami Hurricanes alongside current head coach Mario Cristobal, the younger Carey opted for the Big Ten program over his father’s alma mater.

Did you know?
Jaden Carey is the second prospect from St. Thomas Aquinas High School to join Ohio State’s 2027 class, following defensive end Wyatt Smith. The school is a noted pipeline for the Buckeyes, having previously produced NFL stars Nick and Joey Bosa.
How does Carey fit into the Ohio State defensive scheme?
At 6-foot and 170 pounds, Carey is currently being evaluated for potential roles at either cornerback or nickelback. While he will need to gain strength to handle the physical demands of Big Ten football, his high school film highlights his ability to make plays on the ball, according to 247Sports. His addition brings the total number of defensive backs in the 2027 class to four, joining Deontay Malone and safeties Eli Johnson and Angelo Smith.
What is the next step for Ohio State’s 2027 recruiting?
The Buckeyes are reportedly pursuing an even deeper secondary class. According to reports from 247Sports, Ohio State is currently the frontrunner for in-state cornerback Monsanna Torbert Jr. If Torbert joins the class, he would likely serve as the final addition to the cornerback group for this cycle. Meanwhile, Carey has already set his sights on external targets, telling 247Sports that he intends to recruit four-star Notre Dame safety commit Zayden Gamble to flip his pledge to Ohio State.
Comparison: Ohio State 2027 Defensive Back Commits
| Player | Position | High School |
|---|---|---|
| Deontay Malone | CB | Massillon Washington (OH) |
| Jaden Carey | CB | St. Thomas Aquinas (FL) |
| Eli Johnson | S | Cibolo Steele (TX) |
| Angelo Smith | S | Chaminade-Madonna (FL) |
Data via 247Sports.

Frequently Asked Questions
How many total commits does Ohio State have for the 2027 class?
Following the commitment of Jaden Carey, Ohio State now has 15 total prospects pledged for the 2027 cycle.
Is Jaden Carey the only recruit from St. Thomas Aquinas in this class?
No, Carey joins fellow St. Thomas Aquinas standout Wyatt Smith, a four-star defensive end, in the Buckeyes’ 2027 class.
Who is Ohio State’s next potential target at cornerback?
The program is currently viewed as the favorite to land in-state prospect Monsanna Torbert Jr., who recently visited Columbus alongside Deontay Malone.
Pro Tip: Follow the South Florida Express 7-on-7 team roster to identify future college stars. Recent Buckeye standouts Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, and Brandon Inniss all played for the same organization as Carey.
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