COLUMBUS, OHIO – In a seismic shift that could dramatically impact the college football landscape for years to come, the nation’s No. 1 overall A1 football prospect has made his long-anticipated college decision — and it’s a massive win for the Big Ten. Five-star phenom Malik Rivers, the 6-foot-4, 235-pound edge rusher from Savannah, Georgia, has officially committed to Ohio State University, turning down final suitors South Carolina, Louisville, and Tennessee in what recruiting analysts are calling a “program-defining” addition.
The announcement came Thursday afternoon in a nationally televised segment aired on ESPN2, where Rivers unzipped a neutral black hoodie to reveal a scarlet Buckeyes jersey. The commitment instantly catapults Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class to No. 1 nationally and reaffirms the Buckeyes’ dominance on the recruiting trail under head coach Ryan Day and newly appointed defensive coordinator James Laurinaitis.
A Long and Strategic Recruitment
Rivers’ recruitment was one of the most closely watched sagas in recent memory. With a rare combination of size, speed, and football IQ, he drew interest from virtually every powerhouse program in the country before narrowing his list to a final four: Ohio State, South Carolina, Louisville, and Tennessee.
Each program brought a unique pitch to the table:
- South Carolina, under Shane Beamer, emphasized Rivers’ proximity to home and the opportunity to be the face of a defensive resurgence in Columbia.
- Louisville leaned heavily on its player development and early playing time prospects, especially under Jeff Brohm’s high-energy system.
- Tennessee made a late surge with NIL resources and a compelling scheme under Josh Heupel that would use Rivers’ explosiveness off the edge.
- But ultimately, Ohio State’s blend of tradition, national exposure, NFL pipeline, and defensive scheme fit proved too much to pass up.
“Columbus felt like home from the first visit,” Rivers said in his announcement. “The way Coach Day, Coach Laurinaitis, and Coach Johnson laid out their plan for me — not just as a player, but as a man — it hit different. I want to win a natty and get to the league. Ohio State gives me the best shot.”
Scouting Breakdown: Why Rivers Is Elite
Rivers is widely regarded as one of the most complete defensive players to come out of high school in the last five years. He combines elite first-step quickness with an uncanny ability to bend around the edge. His violent hands and relentless motor separate him from most players his age. In 2024 alone, Rivers posted 21.5 sacks, 35 tackles for loss, and forced 6 fumbles, anchoring a Savannah Central defense that held opponents to under 10 points per game.
ESPN’s Tom Luginbill described him as “a once-in-a-decade pass rusher” while 247Sports national analyst Steve Wiltfong called him “a day-one starter with future All-American potential.”
Rivers’ film is a highlight reel of disruption: bull rushes that collapse pockets, spin moves that leave tackles grasping at air, and speed that chases down quarterbacks from the backside.
But it’s not just physical gifts — Rivers is a cerebral defender. He studies film obsessively, and coaches rave about his ability to diagnose plays and adjust mid-snap.
Impact on Ohio State’s 2025 Class and Defensive Identity
With Rivers’ commitment, Ohio State now boasts five top-50 defensive players in the 2025 class, including:
- DT Kendrick Boone (No. 9 overall)
- CB Kamari Hilton (No. 27 overall)
- S Jaylon Banks (No. 33 overall)
- LB Treyden Morris (No. 46 overall)
The addition of Rivers turns an already elite class into a generational one. His presence is expected to transform the Buckeyes’ defensive front, especially as longtime defensive line coach Larry Johnson continues to mentor future NFL talent.
Ohio State has not had a pure pass-rusher of Rivers’ caliber since Chase Young, and comparisons are already being drawn between the two. That’s no small praise. Rivers will have a legitimate shot to become a consensus All-American and a potential No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick if he meets expectations.
“This is a foundational piece for our future defense,” Coach Ryan Day said after the announcement. “Malik is the kind of player who makes everyone around him better. He’s a game-wrecker.”
What This Means for the Other Finalists
The ripple effects of Rivers’ decision are already being felt.
South Carolina was considered the frontrunner for much of 2024, with Beamer’s relationship with the family playing a major role. Rivers even took an unofficial visit to Columbia three separate times. The Gamecocks now turn to four-star DE Travis Myles as a possible fallback.
Louisville, who had Rivers on campus just two weeks ago for an official visit, was quietly considered a “dark horse.” The loss stings, but Jeff Brohm’s staff can take comfort in their continued relevance in high-level recruiting conversations.
Tennessee, meanwhile, had made NIL a major component of their pitch and had multiple assistant coaches visit Rivers’ high school this spring. While their defensive rebuild under Heupel is ongoing, missing out on Rivers marks a setback, particularly with other SEC powers closing in on top talent.
Rivers’ Roots: A Georgia Star with a Midwestern Destiny
Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Rivers comes from a football family. His father, Marquez Rivers, was an All-American linebacker at Georgia Southern, and his older brother, Dante, currently plays for the Baltimore Ravens.
Rivers first gained national attention at the age of 14 after a dominant showing at the Under Armour Future 50 camp. By his sophomore year, he had offers from over 30 schools. He maintained a 3.7 GPA, was a two-time all-state selection, and served as team captain his junior and senior seasons.
Off the field, Rivers is known for his humility and leadership. He volunteers with the local Boys & Girls Club and has spoken to elementary schools about perseverance and discipline. “He’s a future captain,” his high school coach Darren Lassiter said. “He’s not just a five-star athlete — he’s a five-star human being.”
Reactions from the Buckeye Nation
The moment Rivers announced his commitment, Buckeye Twitter erupted.
“Let’s gooo!!! Our next Bosa/YOUNG,” one fan posted.
Another said, “Championships are won in the trenches. And with Rivers, we just signed our own version of Myles Garrett.”
Ohio State players were quick to celebrate too. Kendrick Boone, who committed last month, tweeted: “Let’s eat, bro. We just changed the game.”
Current Buckeye defensive end JT Tuimoloau chimed in as well: “Get ready for greatness. Malik’s the real deal.”
What Comes Next: Early Enrollment and NFL Trajectory
Rivers has confirmed he will enroll early in January 2026, giving him a full spring to adjust to college speed and strength. Given his physical readiness and the current roster turnover, Rivers is expected to compete for a starting spot as a true freshman.
Ohio State’s track record of developing defensive linemen — from Nick and Joey Bosa to Chase Young and Sam Hubbard — was a major factor in Rivers’ decision. If he performs to expectations, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him leave after three seasons as a top-five NFL Draft pick.
In his own words, Rivers said, “I’m chasing greatness. I want to be remembered like the legends who came before me. And I’m ready to work.”
In a world where recruiting battles have become as intense as the games themselves, Ohio State just secured a monumental victory — one that could reshape not only their defense but the entire national picture in the years to come.
The Buckeyes have long recruited elite talent, but snagging the No. 1 A1 prospect — out of SEC country, no less — is a flex of epic proportions. For Ryan Day and his staff, it signals that Columbus remains one of college football’s ultimate destinations for elite players.
For Malik Rivers, it’s the next step on a path already paved with promise, potential, and a relentless drive to become the best.
