After months of uncertainty and speculation, Ohio State defensive line coach Larry Johnson has finally reeled in a highly anticipated recruit, bringing a wave of relief and excitement to Buckeye Nation. The commitment not only fills a crucial spot in the Buckeyes’ 2025 recruiting class but also signals that Johnson, a longtime stalwart on the OSU coaching staff, still has elite recruiting chops.
The commitment comes at a time when fans and analysts alike were beginning to wonder whether Johnson—who has developed NFL stars like Chase Young, Nick Bosa, and Sam Hubbard—was losing momentum on the recruiting trail. For a coach who has consistently produced one of the top defensive line units in the country, the wait for his first 2025 commit felt unusually long.
That wait is now over.
The recruit, whose name will no doubt become familiar to Ohio State fans in the coming months, is considered a top-tier prospect with explosive pass-rushing ability, high football IQ, and the physical tools to compete early at the college level. Sources close to the program say Johnson personally led the recruitment, building a strong relationship with the player and his family over the past year.
“Coach J is a legend,” the recruit said in a brief statement. “He believes in me, and I believe in what they’re building at Ohio State. I want to be a part of that tradition.”
Johnson, now entering what could be one of his final seasons on the Buckeye sideline, has long been praised for his ability to connect with young players and mold them into elite-level talent. His track record speaks for itself, and this recent commitment is further proof that when Larry Johnson targets a player, he usually gets his man.
The commitment also serves as a momentum builder for the rest of the 2025 class. Ohio State has had success with offensive recruits in recent months, but fans were beginning to wonder when the defense—especially the vaunted defensive line—would start to take shape. Johnson’s latest addition could be the catalyst that helps bring other top defensive talents into the fold.
Social media lit up shortly after the news broke, with current players, former Buckeyes, and fans all celebrating the addition. Many expressed their confidence in Johnson and the belief that Ohio State’s defensive line will remain one of the most feared units in college football.
Recruiting battles are rarely easy, and in the NIL era, they’re more competitive than ever. But if this commitment is any indication, Larry Johnson isn’t done yet. He may be one of the older coaches in college football, but his energy, expertise, and reputation still carry serious weight.
And now, with one big piece in place, Buckeye fans can exhale—and get excited—for what’s to come.