Just saw the ESPN 2027 class rankings drop and I'm staring at our position in the top 15 thinking about how we absolutely HAVE to stack defensive linemen in this year. The 2026 class is already locked in for the most part but the 2027 board is where we can make a statement. We need at least three edge rushers and two interior guys who can actually hold the point of attack against these Big Ten offensive lines. Oregon stacking five 5-stars in their 2026 class is a warning shot and we cannot afford to get bullied in the trenches for another season.
The crystal ball chatter I'm hearing on the 2027 defensive tackle targets is encouraging but we need to convert these OVs into actual signatures. Our defensive line room has been the weakest link since we joined the Big Ten and it's NOT even close. You watch the tape from last season and it's the same story every week. We get pushed around by any team with a pulse in the run game. The staff knows this. Lincoln Riley has to prioritize the line of scrimmage over skill position flash for once.
If we land the 2027 ddefensive end from the region who is supposedly coming for a visit during the dead period I will be thrilled. That kid has the frame to add 20 pounds and still maintain his burst off the edge. Pair him with the interior guy we already have a soft commit from and suddenly the front seven looks different. But talk is cheap. We need to see the commitments start rolling in before the early signing period or we are going to be having this same conversation next year.