Episode Details

Episode Notes: Horseshoe Hangover Live – Ohio State Recruiting (2027 Class Focus) Hosts: Brad Thomas & Denzel Jones Date/Context: Recent episode covering current rankings, new commits (incl. Marcus Fakatou), class outlook, and wishlist targets. Presented by FanDuel Sportsbook.

Episode Summary

The hosts discuss Ohio State's strong position in the 2027 recruiting cycle (currently ranked ~#5 nationally), highlight recent commits with heavy emphasis on trenches talent, evaluate film and upside of key players, debate class size/NIL impacts, and share wishlist targets. Early chit-chat covers personal life (Brad moving). Tone is optimistic about Ohio State's trenches dominance and development potential.

Overall Class Snapshot (per discussion):

• ~18 commits so far.
• 2 five-stars, 12 four-stars.
• Emphasis on blue-chip ratio and trenches (OL/DL).
• Projected final size: ~22-24 commits, leaving room for transfers/flips.

Timestamped Key Segments

• 00:00 - 00:23: Intro, greetings, weekend recap (Brad's moving struggles).
• ~00:38 - 00:52: Transition to recruiting rankings. Ohio State #5 (behind Texas A&M, Notre Dame, Miami, Oklahoma).
• ~00:52 - 00:06:00+: Deep dive on Marcus Fakatou (new commit) and other trenches commits.
• ~06:00+: DJ Jacobs (#1 recruit nationally), Kaden Moss (OL comparison to Paris Johnson).
• ~09:00+: Prince Goldsby (LB), wide receivers (Jordan DeNovo, Jameer Brown).
• ~11:00+: Corners (Jaden Carey, Deonte Malone).
• ~15:00+: Offensive line excitement (Jimmy Callis, etc.).
• ~18:00+: Wishlist targets (Carlos May, David Gabriel Georges/RB).
• ~22:00+: Class size, NIL/re-recruiting realities, QB class softness.
• ~33:00+: Future contributors (year 1-2 projections).
• ~45:00+: FanDuel futures discussion (Buckeyes to CFB semifinals).
• ~57:00+: Wrap-up, calls to action.

Spotlight: Marcus Fakitua (Fakatou) – 2027 Commit

The hosts were most excited about this recent commit and spent significant time breaking down his tape and potential.

Key Attributes Highlighted:

• Size: 6'7", ~270 lbs, 18 years old, frame to add significant weight (easy to 290-305+).
• Athleticism: Moves like a smaller player; quick off the ball, great feet, coordination, bend, and closing speed to the ball.
• Technique: Strong hands, good inside/outside moves, disrupts plays.
• Versatility: Could stay at DE/edge or move inside to 3-tech DT. Compared to Edrick Houston (tweener body).
• High school dominance: "Monster" vs. smaller OL; unfair physical advantage but still technically sound.
• Upside: Hybrid lineman who can "plug and play" anywhere; scary disruptor with NFL traits.

Quotes:

• "His size is just exciting... He moves good. He's fast." (Denzel)
• "For 270-275, six-seven, his feet look great... gets around the corner really nice."
• "He moves like he's smaller and like he's been six-seven his whole life. His coordination is great... flies to the ball."
• "I love these kind of hybrid type linemen where you can kind of plug and play them anywhere."

Hosts' Take: High excitement. Expect him to develop quickly into a rotational or starting contributor. Fits Ohio State's trenches rebuild emphasis.

Other Notable Recruits Discussed

• DJ Jacobs (Top recruit, edge/DL): "Man playing with boys." Elite first step, bend, moves, strength. Seen