Five-star Ohio State prospect Darrell Johnson has officially set his visit date, and it’s one that’s already generating significant buzz within the college football recruiting world. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound linebacker out of Mater Dei High School in California, widely considered one of the most physically gifted and instinctive defensive players in the 2025 class, will make his way to Columbus for an official visit the weekend of June 14.
It’s a visit the Buckeyes coaching staff has been eagerly anticipating, especially after the relationships they’ve built with Johnson and his inner circle over the last several months. With more than 30 offers on the table from some of the most prestigious programs in the nation, Johnson has taken a methodical approach to his recruitment, choosing to slow-play the process to ensure every decision is made with purpose. But Ohio State has remained a consistent presence throughout, and the setting of an official visit speaks volumes.
Johnson’s recruitment has been headlined by fierce competition from USC, Georgia, Alabama, Oregon, and Texas, with Ohio State squarely in the mix the entire way. The Buckeyes have leaned on their track record of producing elite linebackers and their ability to prepare players for the NFL—something Johnson has admitted plays a central role in his decision-making process. The appeal of joining a linebacker lineage that includes names like Ryan Shazier, Darron Lee, Jerome Baker, and most recently Tommy Eichenberg is not lost on Johnson or his family.
There’s also a strong cultural and schematic fit at play. Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has been instrumental in building the Buckeyes’ defensive identity, and he’s viewed Johnson as a perfect centerpiece for his aggressive, hybrid defensive system. Johnson, who can play in space, shoot gaps, and cover tight ends or backs in coverage, fits the modern mold of a linebacker. It’s that versatility, coupled with his football IQ and relentless motor, that has made him such a prized target nationally.
While Johnson’s visit schedule includes multiple trips this summer—he’s expected to see Alabama, Georgia, and USC—Ohio State’s placement on the calendar may give them a pivotal opportunity. June visits allow recruits to get a feel for the coaching staff during the offseason grind, away from the gameday noise. For Johnson, who values authenticity and wants to see how players and coaches interact when the cameras aren’t on, this could be the ideal environment to take in what Columbus truly has to offer.
The Buckeyes are planning to pull out all the stops. With a massive recruiting weekend lined up that same weekend, Johnson will be joined by several other high-profile targets and commits, creating an environment that mimics a close-knit, championship-caliber locker room. Ohio State’s strategy is clear: make prospects feel like they’re already part of the brotherhood. That approach has worked in the past, and the staff is confident it could tip the scales in Johnson’s recruitment.
Off the field, there’s another angle to Ohio State’s appeal. The university’s growing NIL infrastructure and the Columbus market provide opportunities for top-tier athletes to build their brand in meaningful and sustainable ways. Johnson, though not flashy in his approach to NIL, has been advised to look at programs that combine high-end football development with long-term personal growth. That’s a pitch Ohio State has embraced, and it aligns well with Johnson’s priorities.
Johnson’s high school coach has noted that Darrell is “not the type of kid who’s going to be wooed by glitz and glamor.” Instead, he’s focused on substance, relationships, and development. That mindset could prove to be an advantage for Ohio State, which prides itself on stability, legacy, and a winning tradition. Johnson is expected to make a final decision in the early fall, likely after he’s wrapped up all of his official visits. That gives the Buckeyes a window to make a lasting impression in June that could carry into decision day.
There’s no question Johnson is a game-changer wherever he lands. He’s currently ranked as the No. 1 linebacker and a top-10 overall prospect nationally according to multiple recruiting services. With sideline-to-sideline speed, leadership qualities, and an advanced understanding of defensive schemes, he’s seen as someone who could contribute early in his college career and potentially start as a true freshman.
For Ohio State, landing Johnson would be a cornerstone addition to its 2025 recruiting class, which is already shaping up to be one of the nation’s best. He would be the kind of player who not only boosts the class rankings but also raises the ceiling of the entire defense for years to come. And while there’s still a long way to go in this recruitment, the June 14 visit marks a critical step forward.
The Buckeyes know they’ll have to fend off some of the sport’s top recruiting powers to land Johnson, but they’re up for the challenge. With a proven plan, strong development record, and the momentum of hosting him in Columbus, Ohio State is aiming to make their pitch resonate loudest when it matters most. And for Johnson, who’s spent years preparing for this moment, the decision may ultimately come down to where he feels most at home—on and off the field. The countdown to June 14 is officially on, and all eyes will be on Columbus to see how the Buckeyes capitalize on this golden opportunity.