Elijah Haven, the No. 1 ranked quarterback in the 2027 recruiting class, has sent shockwaves through college football by naming Ohio State as the frontrunner in his recruitment. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound five-star prospect from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, recently shared with Rivals that the Buckeyes are setting the pace among a competitive field that includes powerhouses like Florida, LSU, Michigan, and Alabama. This development is a significant boost for Ohio State, a program with a storied history of national championships and quarterback development under head coach Ryan Day.
Haven’s rise to the top of the 2027 class is no surprise. Playing at The Dunham School, he has showcased a rare blend of arm strength, mobility, and football IQ, drawing comparisons to elite dual-threat quarterbacks. His recent two-week tour of seven schools—Georgia, Clemson, Auburn, Michigan, Alabama, Ohio State, and Florida—culminated in a standout visit to Columbus on June 12, where the Buckeyes left a lasting impression. Haven noted the unique culture at Ohio State, stating, “You can tell the culture is different up there,” highlighting the program’s ability to connect with recruits on a personal level.
Ohio State’s pursuit of Haven is particularly notable given their existing commitment from four-star 2027 quarterback Brady Edmunds. However, the Buckeyes’ coaching staff, led by Ryan Day, appears to be keeping options open, signaling their high regard for Haven’s potential to elevate their program. The Buckeyes’ national title pedigree and track record of sending quarterbacks like C.J. Stroud and Justin Fields to the NFL are likely key factors in Haven’s interest.
While Ohio State leads, Florida and LSU remain strong contenders. Florida’s pitch, bolstered by conversations with sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway, has resonated with Haven, who called his discussion with Lagway “eye-opening.” LSU, with its proximity to Haven’s hometown and his childhood fandom of the Tigers, also looms large. Alabama and Michigan are still in the mix, but Ohio State’s momentum could reshape the recruiting landscape.
As Haven continues to evaluate his options, his decision could have far-reaching implications for college football’s power dynamics. For now, Buckeye Nation celebrates their edge in the race for this generational talent.  Go Bucks
