BREAKING NEWS: Sensational Four-Star DL has Committed to Ohio State, The 6’4 260 DL from Gardena, CA chose the Buckeyes over Notre Dame, Washington, & UCLA

In a move that shakes up the national recruiting landscape, Ohio State has landed a massive commitment from one of the West Coast’s top defensive line prospects. The 6’4”, 260-pound four-star defensive lineman from Gardena, California, has officially pledged his allegiance to the Buckeyes, spurning offers from Notre Dame, Washington, and hometown favorite UCLA. This commitment marks a significant win for head coach Ryan Day and new defensive line coach Larry Johnson Jr., who is widely regarded as one of the best developers of defensive line talent in college football.

A Recruitment that Captivated the Country

The saga of this recruitment was nothing short of captivating. From the moment the dominant pass rusher exploded onto the national scene in his junior season, major Power Five programs began to line up with full-court press offers. He first gained attention with a jaw-dropping 14-sack season at Junípero Serra High School, one of California’s premier programs, known for developing top-tier athletes.

Ranked the No. 6 defensive lineman in the 2025 recruiting cycle by multiple services and a consensus top-100 player nationally, his blend of size, speed, and strength made him a can’t-miss prospect. His rare combination of twitch off the edge and ability to collapse the pocket inside drew comparisons to former Buckeye and NFL standout Cameron Heyward.

By mid-spring, his top four finalists had emerged: Ohio State, Notre Dame, Washington, and UCLA. Each program offered compelling reasons to choose them. Notre Dame had long been considered a serious contender, emphasizing its academic prestige and rich defensive tradition. Washington made waves under Kalen DeBoer with a focus on West Coast recruiting and defensive rebirth. UCLA, his local school, pitched the comforts of home and a strong NIL structure.

But in the end, it was Ohio State — and its reputation for producing NFL-caliber defensive linemen — that won out.

Why Ohio State?

“Ohio State just felt like home from the first visit,” the lineman said during his announcement on Instagram Live. “The culture, the brotherhood, the way Coach Johnson develops guys — it all just clicked. I want to be the next great Buckeye D-lineman.”

His visit to Columbus in early June proved to be the tipping point. He attended the Buckeyes’ “Summer Bash” recruiting weekend and had in-depth conversations with Ryan Day, Larry Johnson, and several current players. The message was clear: he wasn’t just another body — he was a cornerstone for the 2025 defensive haul.

Coach Larry Johnson’s track record of developing top talent like Nick Bosa, Chase Young, and Tyquan Lewis loomed large. Johnson made it clear that the California native would have the chance to compete early and potentially become the next dominant force up front.

The Impact on Ohio State’s 2025 Class

With this commitment, Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class now moves into the No. 2 spot nationally behind Georgia, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. The defensive line haul now includes three blue-chip prospects, including five-star DT Zion Williams and four-star EDGE rusher Deon Freeman out of Georgia.

More than just a numbers game, this commitment symbolizes the program’s sustained dominance on the national trail. It proves once again that Ohio State is a national brand — one capable of pulling elite talent from the heart of Pac-12/Big Ten expansion country.

This also represents a major recruiting victory over traditional blue-bloods. Beating Notre Dame and Washington, who both offered potential early playing time, and UCLA, which pitched family proximity and lucrative NIL opportunities, is no small feat. It reinforces that relationships, development, and pedigree still reign supreme in many elite prospects’ decisions.

Scouting Report: A Wrecking Ball in the Trenches

At 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds, the new Buckeye commit is already physically mature and ready for Big Ten football. His senior film showcases violent hands, rare burst, and surprising bend for a player of his size. Whether lined up at strongside DE in a 4-3 or as a 3-tech in a multiple front, he dominates with raw power and an evolving pass-rush repertoire.

Analysts have praised his versatility, noting his ability to play all three downs and rotate between interior and edge alignments depending on the matchup. ESPN’s Tom Luginbill called him “one of the most complete defensive linemen in the class — a guy who can play now and develop into a top-50 NFL Draft pick down the road.”

Areas for improvement include continued refinement of technique and conditioning at the next level, but most agree he has Day 1 impact potential in Columbus.

Family, Faith, and Focus

This commitment wasn’t made lightly. The recruit has always cited his faith, family, and education as critical components of his decision-making process.

“Being from Gardena, I know what it means to work for everything,” he said. “My family taught me the value of grinding, staying humble, and making smart decisions. That’s what Ohio State represents to me — a place to grow as a man and an athlete.”

His parents, who were present during his commitment announcement, praised the Buckeyes’ holistic approach.

“We felt like they really saw our son as more than a player,” his mother said. “They talked about the academic support, the mentors, and the life after football. That meant everything to us.”

The Buckeye Brotherhood, a tight-knit culture where current and former players frequently return to mentor underclassmen, also left a lasting impression.

What This Means for the Big Ten and Beyond

Landing a top-tier player from Southern California is not just a win for Ohio State — it’s a statement to the rest of the Big Ten and college football at large. With the 2024 realignment bringing USC and UCLA into the Big Ten fold, recruiting battles in California are heating up.

Programs like Oregon, Washington, and USC all aim to keep top talent on the West Coast. But with this commitment, Ohio State has sent a clear message: the Buckeyes are still the standard, even on the West Coast.

It’s also a bit of a warning shot to USC and UCLA, who had long counted on regional dominance. If Ohio State can now consistently pluck elite prospects from their backyard — especially in the trenches — the balance of power in the expanded Big Ten may tip even further toward Columbus.

Looking Ahead: Early Enrollment?

While his senior year at Junípero Serra High is just beginning, early buzz suggests the Buckeye commit is considering early enrollment. Should he decide to graduate early and arrive in January 2026, he’ll have the opportunity to get a full spring practice under his belt, boosting his chances at early playing time.

Ohio State will lose key contributors along the defensive line after the 2025 season, including veterans expected to depart for the NFL. That timeline could open the door for him to contribute in a rotational role as a freshman.

Even if he redshirts initially, the long-term plan is clear — he’s being groomed to be the next foundational piece of a Buckeye defense that consistently ranks among the nation’s best.

Final Thoughts: A Landmark Commitment

This is more than just a headline-grabbing commitment. It’s a move that could shape the Buckeyes’ defensive identity for years to come. He brings the size, skillset, and mentality that define Ohio State football — tough, relentless, and unafraid of the big stage.

For Ryan Day and his staff, this is validation of their national recruiting approach. For Ohio State fans, it’s another reason to believe that the future in Columbus remains as bright as ever.

And for the rest of college football? Consider this a reminder that the Buckeyes aren’t just contending — they’re reloading with elite talent, coast to coast.

BREAKING NEWS SUMMARY