The Buckeyes have landed another elite prospect, as five-star cornerback Elbert Hill from Archbishop Hoban High School (OH) announced his commitment to Ohio State over national powers USC and Oregon. One of the top defensive players in the 2025 class, Hill’s decision gives Ryan Day and cornerbacks coach Tim Walton a major recruiting win in the battle for premier secondary talent.
Hill, ranked among the top 10 overall players in the country by most recruiting services, is a lockdown corner known for his elite speed, physicality at the line of scrimmage, and advanced instincts in coverage. At 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, Hill combines size, agility, and ball skills in a way that makes him a nightmare for opposing receivers. His ability to play both man and zone coverage at a high level made him a must-get for any program looking to bolster its secondary.
For months, this recruitment was seen as a fierce three-team battle between Ohio State, USC, and Oregon. The Trojans and Ducks both pitched Hill on early playing time, NIL opportunities, and the chance to be a cornerstone of their respective Big Ten transitions. But in the end, the Buckeyes’ long-standing relationship with Hill and their proven track record of developing NFL defensive backs proved too much to overcome.
“This is home,” Hill said in his announcement. “Ohio State has always been a dream school for me. The coaching staff made it clear I was a top priority from the beginning, and I know I’ll be developed into the best version of myself on and off the field.”
Hill took multiple visits to Columbus and built a strong relationship with Coach Walton, who has been instrumental in developing top-tier corners like Denzel Burke and Jeff Okudah. The Buckeyes’ defensive system and emphasis on aggressive, man-to-man coverage aligns perfectly with Hill’s skill set.
For Ohio State, this commitment is more than just a win on paper—it’s a message to the rest of the Big Ten and the national recruiting scene that the Buckeyes continue to dominate in their own backyard. With Hill now in the fold, Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class inches closer to being one of the best in the country, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
As Hill heads into his senior season at Hoban, expectations will only grow—but so will excitement in Columbus. The Buckeyes just locked down a future star, and one of the nation’s most coveted defenders is staying home.