No. 1 Player in America Commits to Ohio State Over Tennessee, BYU, and Texas Longhorns.
In a major recruiting win, the Ohio State Buckeyes have landed a commitment from the No. 1 overall player in the nation for the 2025 class. Five-star prospect and generational talent Elijah Williams, a dominant edge rusher out of California, announced his decision on Monday afternoon, choosing Ohio State over fellow finalists Tennessee, BYU, and Texas.
Williams, standing at 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, has long been considered the top high school football player in the country due to his elite athleticism, motor, and football IQ. His final four schools had been in hot pursuit for months, with each program pitching him as a game-changer for their defensive front.
Despite a strong push from Texas—where Williams had built a close relationship with the coaching staff—and a passionate fan effort from Tennessee, it was Ohio State’s tradition of developing NFL-caliber defensive linemen that sealed the deal. Larry Johnson, the Buckeyes’ legendary defensive line coach, played a pivotal role in the recruitment and was instrumental in convincing Williams that Columbus was the right fit.
BYU, a surprise finalist, had impressed Williams with a unique culture and family atmosphere, but ultimately lacked the competitive draw of the other Power Five programs.
Williams cited Ohio State’s winning culture, history of NFL success, and opportunity to compete for national titles as deciding factors. “I want to be challenged every day and win championships,” he said. “Ohio State gives me that chance.”
With his commitment, the Buckeyes’ 2025 class now sits atop national rankings, solidifying their status as a recruiting powerhouse. For Texas and the other contenders, it’s a tough miss on a program-altering talent.
Williams is expected to enroll early and could make an immediate impact
in Columbus.
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