Elite five-star recruit leaves Ohio State official visit saying exactly what Buckeye Nation wants to hear: “It felt like home.”
When a five-star recruit walks away from a college football visit with a glowing review, it tends to stir excitement. When that recruit says, “It felt like home,” it lights a fire. That’s exactly what happened this past weekend in Columbus, Ohio, and Buckeye Nation is buzzing with hope and anticipation.
After his highly anticipated official visit to Ohio State, elite five-star linebacker Malik Anderson—ranked as the No. 1 linebacker and No. 4 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class—had nothing but praise for the Buckeyes. The 6’3″, 225-pound phenom from Buford, Georgia, had been courted by national powerhouses such as Alabama, Georgia, and USC. But after spending 48 hours on campus with Ryan Day, Jim Knowles, and several current Ohio State players, he left the visit declaring, “It felt like home.”
A Visit Months in the Making
Ohio State has long been in pursuit of Anderson, whose combination of size, speed, and field IQ has drawn comparisons to NFL stars like Micah Parsons and Roquan Smith. While Ohio State had been considered a top-five contender for months, many believed Anderson was leaning toward staying in the South. That may have changed dramatically over the weekend.
Sources close to the program confirmed that Anderson’s official visit was carefully orchestrated, from his arrival at John Glenn International Airport to his one-on-one meeting with head coach Ryan Day in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who personally oversees linebacker development, presented a detailed plan for how Anderson would be used in Ohio State’s evolving hybrid scheme—something Anderson reportedly found “innovative and exciting.”
“It wasn’t just about football,” Anderson said in an interview after his visit. “It was about the people. The culture. The energy. I could see myself waking up here every day and loving it. It felt like home.”
The “Home” Feeling
What gives a place that elusive feeling of home? For Anderson, it was the connection—not only with coaches but with players, students, and even the Columbus community.
Saturday morning started with a team breakfast followed by film study with linebackers coach James Laurinaitis, a former Ohio State All-American and NFL veteran. Sources say Laurinaitis made a big impression, not only with his insight but with his relatability.
“Coach Laurinaitis has done what I want to do,” Anderson noted. “He’s played at the highest level. He’s real. He broke down my game, showed me where I fit, and didn’t sugarcoat anything.”
Anderson was also hosted by sophomore linebacker C.J. Hicks, another five-star prospect from Dayton, who gave Anderson the inside scoop on life as a Buckeye. The two spent time touring the facilities, visiting Ohio Stadium (The Horseshoe), and later attending a player-led cookout at a house just off Lane Avenue.
“The brotherhood here is real,” Anderson said. “Everyone’s got each other’s back, and that matters. It’s not fake. That kind of culture wins championships.”
A Crucial Moment for Ohio State Recruiting
Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory. Already featuring four top-100 commits, including quarterback Julian Grant and wide receiver Tre Simmons, the Buckeyes are looking to land a signature defender to anchor the class—and Anderson fits that bill perfectly.
Landing a commitment from a player of Anderson’s caliber would not only strengthen the defense, it would send a message to the rest of the college football world: Ohio State is still a dominant force in national recruiting, particularly in the hyper-competitive SEC region.
Director of Player Personnel Mark Pantoni has made Georgia and the Southeast a strategic focus in recent years, working with position coaches to identify early targets and build long-term relationships. Anderson’s recruitment began over a year ago, with Ohio State making a strong early impression. This weekend’s visit may have solidified them as frontrunners.
What Stood Out to Anderson
While the coaching and camaraderie stood out, Anderson also highlighted Ohio State’s academics and NIL infrastructure as significant positives.
“I had a great sit-down with some people from the business school,” he said. “They’re not just talking football. They’re talking about what I do after football. That matters to me and my family.”
Ohio State’s burgeoning NIL opportunities were also emphasized. With the university’s large alumni base, media exposure, and partnership with The Foundation (OSU’s NIL collective), the Buckeyes have become a model for building legitimate, sustainable player opportunities.
“It’s not just about money,” Anderson said. “It’s about building a brand. And Ohio State is helping their guys do that the right way.”
The Buckeye Effect: The Stadium, the City, the Culture
One of the highlights of Anderson’s trip was his walk into Ohio Stadium. Even empty, the Horseshoe carries weight. He stood on the block “O” at midfield as the sound system blared a custom mix of music curated by the team’s DJ.
“That moment hit different,” he recalled. “You think about all the legends who’ve played here. Then they show you your name on the jumbotron with a Buckeye jersey? Man… chills.”
The city of Columbus also played a role in Anderson’s reaction. A tour of the Short North, a stop at a popular local restaurant with Laurinaitis, and a few minutes taking in the view from the rooftop of the Graduate Hotel helped to showcase Columbus not just as a college town—but as a future home.
“It’s big enough that you’ve got everything, but it still feels like a college town,” Anderson said. “The fans, the love—it’s different. They know you. They care.”
What’s Next?
Despite the overwhelmingly positive visit, Anderson is not set to make a public commitment just yet. He still has official visits scheduled with Alabama and Georgia later this month. However, several recruiting insiders believe that Ohio State made a major leap and might now hold the inside track.
“Right now, everything is open,” Anderson told reporters. “But I’m going to be real—I didn’t expect to feel what I felt this weekend. Ohio State gave me something to really think about.”
Recruiting experts say the timing is critical. Anderson is expected to announce his decision in late July before the start of his senior season. That gives Ohio State just over a month to solidify its position.
And if Anderson does end up in scarlet and gray, this weekend could go down as one of the defining moments in the 2025 recruiting cycle.
What It Means for Buckeye Nation
For Buckeye fans, hearing a five-star talent describe Ohio State as “home” is more than just a feel-good quote—it’s validation. It reflects the investment the university has made in its football program, from facilities and staffing to player care and alumni connections.
Ohio State isn’t just recruiting players—they’re recruiting people, families, and futures.
The program’s emphasis on character, player development, and lifelong support has helped it remain a perennial national contender. Recruits like Anderson see that, feel that—and perhaps most importantly—believe in that.
Final Thoughts: More Than a Catchphrase
“It felt like home.”
Those four words could change the course of Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class. They’re not just words; they’re a signpost. A reflection of the effort, energy, and excellence Ohio State pours into every visit, every conversation, every connection.
If Malik Anderson does ultimately commit to Ohio State, Buckeye fans will remember this weekend not as just another visit—but as the weekend he knew where he belonged.
And if he doesn’t?
The program still reminded the nation of what makes Ohio State special.
Because “home” isn’t something you fake.
It’s something you build.
And in Columbus, Ohio—they’re building something special.
