In a surprising turn of events, 2025 four-star safety Lagonza Hayward has announced his decommitment from Tennessee football and flipped his commitment to Ohio State. Hayward, a top-10 safety in his class and one of the most highly sought-after defensive recruits, made the decision after carefully reconsidering his options. His choice also came as a blow to Alabama, which had been aggressively pursuing him in recent weeks.

 

Hayward’s flip marks a significant recruiting victory for Ohio State. Known for their consistent success in developing defensive backs for the NFL, the Buckeyes presented an enticing opportunity for Hayward to further his career. The safety from Georgia had originally committed to Tennessee earlier this year, citing his belief in the Vols’ defensive scheme and the program’s upward trajectory under head coach Josh Heupel. However, recent developments, including Ohio State’s strong push, prompted Hayward to reopen his recruitment.

 

“I have great respect for Tennessee and everything they’ve done for me, but after talking with my family and coaches, I feel that Ohio State is the best fit for my future,” Hayward said in his announcement. “Coach Ryan Day and Coach Perry Eliano have a vision for me that I truly believe in. The tradition at Ohio State, especially for defensive backs, speaks for itself.”

 

Hayward’s versatility on the field has made him a coveted recruit. At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, he has the size and physicality to match up with bigger receivers and the speed to cover deep routes. His ability to play in the box, cover tight ends, and serve as a ball hawk in the secondary makes him a complete safety prospect. Last season, he racked up 70 tackles, four interceptions, and two forced fumbles, solidifying his status as one of the nation’s elite defenders.

 

Ohio State’s recruitment of Hayward reflects their continued focus on building a dominant secondary. The Buckeyes’ defensive backfield has been a cornerstone of their success in recent years, with players like Denzel Ward, Jeff Okudah, and Malik Hooker thriving at the next level. Hayward’s commitment ensures that Ohio State remains a pipeline for NFL-ready defensive backs.

 

For Tennessee, Hayward’s decommitment is a tough blow. The Vols have been building momentum on the recruiting trail, but losing a high-profile player like Hayward to a rival program underscores the challenges of retaining top talent in a competitive landscape. Tennessee will now need to regroup and focus on other targets to fill the void left by Hayward’s departure.

 

Meanwhile, Alabama’s efforts to land Hayward fell short despite their late push. The Crimson Tide, known for their relentless recruiting, had positioned themselves as a strong contender, but ultimately, Ohio State’s vision and defensive back tradition won out.

 

As Hayward looks ahead to his future in Columbus, Ohio State fans are celebrating the addition of a game-changing safety who could become the centerpiece of their 2025 defensive class. For the Buckeyes, this commitment is another step toward solidifying their position as a national powerhouse.