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.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Buckeyes just landed a game-changer from the West Coast.
In a major recruiting win with national implications, Ohio State has secured the commitment of a highly touted four-star defensive lineman from Gardena, California, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 260 pounds. The elite pass rusher chose the Buckeyes over a strong final group that included Notre Dame, Washington, and UCLA.
The commitment was confirmed Saturday afternoon via a social media post featuring the player donning scarlet and gray, with the caption:
“Built for greatness. Ready to be developed by the best. I’m COMMITTED to THE Ohio State University. Go Bucks! #Rushmen #BuckeyeNation”
The defensive lineman — widely regarded as one of the top edge defenders on the West Coast in the 2025/26 cycle — has been turning heads for the past two years with his explosive first step, violent hands, and ability to collapse the pocket.
According to 247Sports and On3, he ranks:
- Top 150 nationally overall
- Top 20 at his position
- Top 5 DL in California
He tallied 13.5 sacks and 22 tackles for loss in his most recent season at Serra High School, where he was a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks and a leader on one of the state’s toughest defenses.
The Buckeyes’ legendary “Rushmen” culture — built by Larry Johnson and now revitalized under new defensive leadership — played a major role in his decision.
“Coach Johnson is a legend, and Ohio State develops dudes for the league,” he said during his official visit. “There’s just something different about Columbus. It’s not hype — it’s real.”
He cited NFL production, scheme fit, and championship mentality as driving factors. The player was also blown away by the family atmosphere inside the program and the chance to play alongside elite talents like Eddrick Houston and Justin Scott.
For Ohio State, this commitment marks another victory in Southern California, an area where the Buckeyes have continued to make recruiting inroads despite increasing competition from USC’s Big Ten move.
It also sends a clear message: Ohio State remains a national brand, capable of pulling blue-chip defenders out of Pac-12 and Midwest territory alike — especially those seeking NFL-caliber development.
Scouting evaluations describe him as:
- “An SEC-caliber body with Big Ten toughness”
- Relentless motor — plays through the whistle
- Elite get-off and hand usage for his age
- Scheme versatile — can play edge in a 4-3 or slide inside on passing downs
He’ll likely start as a rotational EDGE or strong-side DE at Ohio State, with the potential to develop into a three-year starter and All-Big Ten performer under the Buckeyes’ development system.
With this pledge, Ohio State’s 2026 class continues to build momentum. The Buckeyes now have multiple four-star defensive commits, alongside a strong group of offensive weapons, including:
- Devin Sanchez – 5⭐️ CB
- Jared Curtis – 4⭐️ QB
- Chris Henry Jr. – 5⭐️ WR
- Marcus Harris – 4⭐️ ATH/WR
The Buckeyes are now climbing into Top 3 territory nationally for 2026, with more elite targets still on the board heading into July.
This commitment isn’t just another star on the list — it’s a program-defining win at a premium position. Ohio State just added a battle-ready, Big Ten-built edge rusher who fits the mold of what the Buckeyes have long prided themselves on: speed, power, and relentless pursuit of greatness.
The future of the “Rushmen” legacy just got even brighter. Welcome to Columbus.
