Ohio State Gains Momentum with Four-Star Defensive Lineman, Formerly Leaning Towards Michigan
Ohio State is riding a strong recruiting wave, securing seven new commitments for their 2025 class since early June. Currently, they boast 10 top-100 players according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, with six of them ranked in the top-50 nationally. Head coach Ryan Day and his staff are pleased with their progress so far, but they’re far from finished.
The momentum continued on Tuesday with significant Crystal Ball predictions favoring Ohio State for four-star defensive lineman Maxwell Roy. Previously leaning towards Michigan earlier this month, Roy, ranked No. 19 among defensive linemen and No. 152 overall nationally by 247Sports, recently visited both Ohio State and Michigan. Following his visit to Ann Arbor, industry predictions have shifted overwhelmingly in favor of the Buckeyes. Several prominent analysts, including Michigan insider Sam Webb and On3 RPM’s, have now backed Ohio State.
Crystal Ball Alert!
Ohio State Has Received 6 More Crystal Balls Today To Land Maxwell Roy
Position: Defensive Lineman
Class: 2025
Current Ranking: 4 Stars – 0.9199
National Rank: #221 Overall, #25 DL Overall
From: Philadelphia, PA
Source: 2 CBs on ON3, 4 on 24/7 pic.twitter.com/EbZ11Yk0IH— Ohio State Football Recruiting (@OhioStateFBChat) June 26, 2024
Hailing from Pennsylvania and playing at St. Joseph’s Prep, the same program as Buckeye commits Marvin Harrison Jr., Kyle McCord, and Isaiah West, Roy holds around 20 offers. He trimmed his list to six schools in February, including Ohio State and Michigan, alongside Duke, Oregon, Rutgers, and Wisconsin.
If Roy chooses Ohio State, it would strengthen an already impressive defensive line class led by coach Larry Johnson, featuring commitments like Zahir Mathis, London Merritt, and the recent addition of Zion Grady. Ohio State remains optimistic about landing Justin Hill and Mariyon Dye, with strong interest from current Auburn commit Malik Autry, who has ties to Grady.
God has blessed me immensely with these opportunities. After much discussion with my family we have decided to narrow the list of prospective college football programs to seven. I will be concentrating on my relationships with these schools moving forward. Thank you & God Bless! pic.twitter.com/uborftpwlN
— Maxwell Riley✝️ (@bigmax2026) June 25, 2024
In another recruiting update, Ohio State received positive news from Maxwell Riley, a top offensive tackle prospect in the 2026 class. Ranked as the No. 6 offensive tackle and No. 35 overall in his class, Riley, from Avon Lake, Ohio, included Ohio State among his final seven schools. He has made multiple visits to Ohio State, demonstrating his strong interest in the program.
Looking ahead, Ohio State continues to pursue five-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr., competing closely with Tennessee for his commitment. Sanders, ranked as the top offensive tackle and the No. 2 player nationally, would be a significant addition to Ohio State’s already impressive 2025 class.
The father of Five-star Plus+ OT @DavidLSandersJr spoke with @LettermenRow about the family's Ohio State official visit ⭕️
Sanders Jr. is the No. 2 overall prospect in the On3 Industry Rankings 👀
READ: https://t.co/CkFuW73Ykb
Try @LettermenRow for $1: https://t.co/e1jwIac6I0 pic.twitter.com/8xqyjMK1qS
— Mick Walker (@mickdwalker) June 25, 2024
Additionally, Malik Autry, a highly regarded four-star defensive lineman committed to Auburn, has shown affinity for Ohio State at recent events, influenced by his friendship with new Buckeye commit Zion Grady. Autry, ranked by 247Sports as the No. 4 defensive lineman and No. 29 overall player nationally, adds further intrigue to Ohio State’s recruiting efforts.
Malik Autry repping the Scarlet and Gray today 👀.
📸 @Rivals pic.twitter.com/OISMafsPkc
— The Scarlet and Gray Podcast (@TheSG_Podcast) June 26, 2024
