Ohio State flips 2026 DL Darryus McKinley away from LSU

Ohio State is on a heater to close out the 2026 class.

The Buckeyes flipped 2026 DL Darryus McKinley away from LSU on Wednesday.

McKinley is Rivals’ No. 39 DL and the younger brother of LSU starting DL Dominick McKinley, who was also high on the Buckeyes coming out of Lafayette (La.) Acadiana High School a few years ago.

The younger McKinley landed an offer from Larry Johnson and the Buckeyes earlier this month after a senior evaluation. The offer arrived a few days after LSU fired Brian Kelly as its head coach.

McKinley wasted no time logging an official visit to Columbus and told Rivals he and his family had a great time.

“I feel like that’s the best place that suits me and my path,” McKinley told Rivals on his decision to flip. “At Ohio State, I’ll get development to prepare me for the next level one day, if it’s God’s plan.”

As a senior for the Rams, McKinley amassed 49 solo tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks and 5 more QB hurries. He also accounted for a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

He is bullish on the plan that Johnson laid out for him and his development.

“Coach Johnson has consistently put a lot of players into the NFL. He has a plan that will get me there, if I put in the effort and God allows me to stay healthy,” McKinley explained.

“It was a very difficult decision to go far from home,” he added, “but it’s the best decision for me!”

Over the last month and change, Ryan Day and co. have flipped Rivals’ No. 1 CB Jay Timmons, Rivals300 ATH Legend Bey, 4-star DL Emanuel Ruffin, Rivals300 TE Nick Lautar and Rivals300 LB Braxton Rembert.

The Buckeyes own the No. 5-ranked recruiting class in the country.