In a surprising turn of events, the No. 1 ranked linebacker in the 2025 recruiting class has flipped his commitment from Ohio State to Brigham Young University (BYU), marking a major shift in the college football recruiting landscape. This decision has sent shockwaves through both the Ohio State and BYU fanbases, as the elite recruit had long been considered a lock for the Buckeyes.
The linebacker, a highly sought-after prospect known for his impressive physicality, speed, and football IQ, had initially committed to Ohio State several months ago. However, after an extensive recruitment process and multiple visits to Provo, Utah, the recruit decided to make a change, committing to the Cougars in what is seen as a bold move to play for a program on the rise in the Big 12 conference.
BYU’s strong pitch, including the opportunity for immediate playing time and a chance to be a cornerstone of the defense in a new conference, played a key role in his decision. The coaching staff at BYU, led by head coach Kalani Sitake, has been building a program that competes at a high level, and the addition of the No. 1 linebacker strengthens their future prospects on defense.
For Ohio State, the flip is a setback, as the Buckeyes were hoping to secure the top linebacker in this class to solidify their already strong defense. The Buckeyes will now turn their attention to other recruits in their pursuit of another top-tier linebacker.
BYU’s success in securing this recruit is a significant win for the program, signaling that they are becoming a serious player on the national recruiting stage, even against traditional powerhouses like Ohio State.
