DJ Jacobs headlines top 2027 defensive linemen entering the spring
· Yahoo Sports
Landing elite talent on the defensive line is typically the difference in what determines whether a team is a national title contender or not.
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Over the years, countless freshmen have made the quick adjustment from high school to college. The 2027 cycle has quite a few prospects who could add to that tally as well.
USA TODAY High School Sports kicked off spring scouting with a focus on the top position players from each position group. So far, we've taken a look at the class' top quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and tight ends and offensive linemen.
Now, it's time to look at the other side of the ball. Here are the top 10 defensive linemen in the 2027 class.
1. DJ Jacobs
School: Blessed Trinity Catholic (GA)
Height: 6-5
Weight: 235
Commitment Status: Ohio State
Summary: Jacobs has been a defensive monster since first stepping onto the field as a freshman. In 2025 he totaled over 100 tackles again finishing the year with 102, 24 tackles for loss and 16 sacks in 11 games. He committed to the Buckeyes on December 29.
2. Jalen Brewster
School: Cedar Hill (TX)
Height: 6-3
Weight: 302
Commitment Status: Texas Tech
Summary: Brewster already looks like an NFL defensive tackle and will only continue to grow as he heads to Lubbock. He committed to the Red Raiders on October 4.
3. K.J. Green
School: Stephenson (GA)
Height: 6-4
Weight: 215
Commitment Status: Uncommitted
Summary: Green earned MaxPreps Junior All-American honors following a massive junior season where he totaled 129 tackles, 40 tackles, 18 sacks, four forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He's set to commit on August 8 and currently has official visits scheduled to South Carolina (June 12) and Alabama (June 19).
4. Anthony Sweeney
School: Our Lady of Good Counsel (MD)
Height: 6-4
Weight: 230
Commitment Status: Uncommitted
Summary: Sweeney's only downside is his size, but a college strength program will turn him from a good player into one who could go on the first day of the NFL Draft in the near future. He finished his junior season with 34 tackles, five tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in 11 games.
5. Chris Whitehead
School: Lloyd C. Bird (VA)
Height: 6-4.5
Weight: 230
Commitment Status: Uncommitted
Summary: Whitehead earned all-state honors as a junior, shining on both sides of the ball. On defense, he totaled 54 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles.
6. Zyron Forstall
School: IMG Academy (FL)
Height: 6-3.5
Weight: 225
Commitment Status: Uncommitted
Summary: Forstall transferred to IMG ahead of junior season, finishing the year with 28 tackles, nine tackles for loss and five sacks. While he doesn't have any official visits scheduled, Forstall picked up offers from NC State, Oregon and Georgia Tech in late-January.
7. Marcus Fakatou
School: Orange Lutheran (CA)
Height: 6-6
Weight: 275
Commitment Status: Uncommitted
Summary: Standing at 6-foot-6 with long arms, Fakatou stood out on an Orange Lutheran team that did have some struggles in 2025. Individually, he recorded 69 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and seven sacks.
8. Jaiden Bryant
School: Irmo (SC)
Height: 6-3.5
Weight: 245
Commitment Status: LSU
Summary: LSU landed a massive win on January 3 when Bryant announced his commitment to the Tigers. He has one of the quickest get-offs for a 2027 prospect and finished his junior season with 79 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 11 sacks and six forced fumbles.
9. Kasi Currie
School: Sierra Canyon (CA)
Height: 6-5
Weight: 315
Commitment Status: Uncommitted
Summary: Whether it's on the offensive line or defensive line, Currie has a bright future ahead of him in college. He flashed potential offensively during his junior season. but his experience at defensive tackle currently has many projecting him there at the next level.
10. Mekai Brown
School: Greenwich Country Day (CT)
Height: 6-7
Weight: 230
Commitment Status: Uncommitted
Summary: Already holding a plethora of offers, 2026 has been kind to Brown, who has just kept racking them up. In January alone, he earned offers from Kentucky, Virginia Tech, North Carolina, UCLA, Missouri, Notre Dame, and Penn State.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY High School Sports Wire: 2027 defensive linemen football recruiting rankings