The 2027 Rivals300 rankings reveal a remarkable depth of talent at the offensive tackle position, featuring 23 blue-chip prospects who are all currently committed as of September 4. This impressive group underscores the growing significance of offensive linemen in high school football, particularly as they prepare for the next level.
Among these 23 elite offensive tackles, ten have committed to programs within the Southeastern Conference (SEC), which includes seven of the top eight ranked tackles. The Big Ten follows closely with five commitments, while the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has four, the Big 12 boasts two, and there is one each from Notre Dame and a Group of Six program. This distribution highlights the competitive landscape of college football recruiting, particularly in the trenches where these athletes excel.
As the high school football season gets underway, the performance of these offensive linemen is often best showcased through highlight reels rather than traditional statistics. Pancake blocks, a term used to describe dominating blocks that flatten defenders, are a common feature in discussions about the top talents in the trenches.
Rivals has spotlighted the top ten offensive tackle prospects from the 2027 Rivals300, examining not only their individual skills but also how their respective high school teams are faring early in the 2026 season. Here’s a closer look at these standout players:
1. Mark Matthews — Texas A&M
Rivals300 Ranking: No. 2 Nationally
School: St. Thomas Aquinas (Florida)
Committed Since: May 15
Leading the charge for St. Thomas Aquinas, Matthews, a 6-foot-5.5, 285-pound tackle, has helped his team to a 2-0 record, including a decisive 38-14 victory over DeSoto. The Raiders, currently ranked No. 4 nationally, are gearing up for a challenging matchup against No. 18 Columbus this Friday.
2. Cooper Hackett — Oklahoma
Rivals300 Ranking: No. 11 Nationally
School: Fort Gibson (Oklahoma)
Committed Since: September 25, 2025
Hackett's senior season has been complicated by shoulder surgery, and his team faced a tough loss in their season opener, falling 41-14 to Sapulpa. Fort Gibson is now looking to bounce back against Berryhill this week.
3. Olu Olubobola — Notre Dame
Rivals300 Ranking: No. 19 Nationally
School: St. Peter’s Prep (New Jersey)
Committed Since: May 12
Olubobola’s team recently opened their season with a 17-7 win over Dillard in South Florida. St. Peter’s Prep, ranked No. 4 in New Jersey, is set for a significant matchup against St. Thomas More, the top team in Connecticut, this Saturday.
4. Kaeden Penny — Oklahoma
Rivals300 Ranking: No. 27 Nationally
School: Bixby (Oklahoma)
Committed Since: September 25, 2025
Penny played a crucial role in Bixby’s 35-27 victory over Owasso in a rematch of last year’s state title game. Bixby is currently ranked No. 22 nationally and will host Stillwater this Friday.
5. Antonio Berry — Ole Miss
Rivals300 Ranking: No. 31 Nationally
School: Tupelo (Mississippi)
Committed Since: June 24
Tupelo, ranked No. 1 in Mississippi, started their season strong with a 38-12 win over Brandon. Berry and his teammates are preparing to face CPA from Nashville next.
6. Elijah Hutcheson — Florida
Rivals300 Ranking: No. 77 Nationally
School: Roanoke Catholic (Virginia)
Committed Since: May 5
Hutcheson’s team kicked off their season with a thrilling 43-37 win against Trinity Episcopal. They will have a week off before returning to action against Fredericksburg Christian.
7. Layton von Brandt — Auburn
Rivals300 Ranking: No. 79 Nationally
School: Appoquinimink (Delaware)
Committed Since: May 18
Appoquinimink, ranked No. 4 in Delaware, will begin their season next week against George Washington from Philadelphia.
8. Kennedee Jackson — Georgia
Rivals300 Ranking: No. 100 Nationally
School: Lithonia (Georgia)
Committed Since: June 13
Jackson is part of a talented Lithonia roster aiming for a deep playoff run. They started the season with a 37-8 victory and will face Lowndes, ranked No. 10 in Georgia, this Friday.
9. Rashaun Lavata’i — Washington State
Rivals300 Ranking: No. 118 Nationally
School: Curtis Senior (Washington)
Committed Since: June 23
Lavata’i is set to lead the Curtis Vikings in their season opener against Silas, aiming for a fifth consecutive winning season.
10. Jakari Lipsey — Michigan
Rivals300 Ranking: No. 129 Nationally
School: Loy Norrix (Michigan)
Committed Since: May 2
Lipsey has made a name for himself with impressive performances, including a recent 41-18 victory over Ottawa Hills, where he showcased his strength with multiple pancake blocks.
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