Under the Friday night lights of central Texas, where dreams seem to shine brighter than anything, Riley Pettijohn was a total stud. This five-star linebacker with a heart bigger than Texas itself had colleges lining up to win him over. Southern Cal, Texas, and even Texas A&M were all throwing offers at him, but there was just something about that Ohio State red and gray that called to him. And so, on a warm June afternoon, Riley Pettijohn made a decision that would echo through the hallowed halls of Ohio State University.

Recruitment Journey

Picture this: Riley, a lanky kid from Houston, sitting in his room, surrounded by letters from coaches. Each envelope held a promise—a chance to play under the bright lights, to chase glory. But one letter stood out. It smelled faintly of buckeye trees, and when he opened it, the words danced off the page. Ohio State wanted him. Not just as a player, but as a leader.

When Riley visited Ohio State for the official tour, it felt like he was stepping into a movie about legends. He could almost hear whispers of encouragement from Woody Hayes and Archie Griffin himself as he walked through the Horseshoe. That's what they called the stadium, a place where college football heroes are made. Riley felt it—the weight of tradition, the pull of destiny. And when Coach Day looked him in the eye and said, "We need you, Riley," he knew.

Pettijohn's Profile

Riley wasn't your typical linebacker. At nearly 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, he moved like a gazelle. His speed was deceptive—a blur of scarlet and gray streaking across the field. National rankings placed him at No. 31 overall, and fourth among linebackers. But stats only told part of the story. Riley had grit—the kind forged on Texas high school fields, where the sun baked the grass and dreams hung heavy in the air.

Impact on Ohio State

The Buckeyes needed Riley. Their linebacker room faced a shortage of experience, and the coaches knew it. But it wasn't just about tackles and sacks. Riley brought something intangible—a fire that ignited others. He'd lead by example, push teammates to their limits, and remind them why they wore the Block O. The scarlet jersey would become his armor, and the Horseshoe his battleground.

Conclusion

So here we are, Ohio State faithful. Riley Pettijohn, the kid from Texas, is all in. His commitment isn't just about football; it's about legacy. When he steps onto that field, he carries the hopes of Buckeye Nation—the dreams of fans who bleed scarlet and gray. And as the sun sets over the Shoe, casting long shadows, we'll watch him chase glory. Because in Columbus, legends aren't born—they're forged, one tackle at a time.

Introduction

In the heart of Columbus, Ohio, where scarlet and gray run through veins like a shared secret, a seismic shift occurred. Maxwell Roy, a four-star defensive tackle from St. Joseph's Prep School in Philadelphia, made a decision that would echo across Buckeye Nation. The kid with a composite rating that could make even the most stoic coach crack a smile had chosen Ohio State. But this wasn't just about football; it was about family.

Background and Recruitment

So, Maxwell's story starts back in Philly, where cheesesteaks and his future were basically roommates. This dude was a giant teen, all muscle and ambition. Colleges came at him like crazy, coaches fighting over who he'd play for. Michigan, with its winged helmets and storied history, came calling. But so did Ohio State, with its Horseshoe and a promise of brotherhood.

Maxwell took official visits to both schools. Ann Arbor's autumn leaves whispered secrets, but Columbus's crisp air held something more. It was during a Buckeyes game, surrounded by fans who bled scarlet, that he felt it—the pull of camaraderie, the electricity of possibility.

The Decision

Imagine this: Maxwell's chilling in his room, an Ohio State flag hanging above his bunk. His mom, a super strong lady who raised him all by herself, is sitting right there with him. She's been working double shifts like crazy to keep food on the table, and now this big dude's future is, like, in his hands.

"Max," she asks, "what's your dream school?"

He thinks about the Horseshoe stadium, the crowd going nuts, and being part of a whole team of brothers. "Ohio State," he says. "I wanna be part of something bigger than myself."

Bam! Decision made. Easy as that. The kid from Philly became a Buckeye.

Relationship with Ohio State

Maxwell's commitment wasn't just about football. It was about Coach Day's late-night talks, the way he'd say, "Max, we're building more than a team—we're building men." It was about the strength coach who pushed him to his limits, the academic advisor who mapped out his future, and the janitor who'd been there since Woody Hayes prowled the sidelines.

He'd walk through the tunnel, touch the Block O, and know he was part of a lineage—a brotherhood that transcended wins and losses.

Teammates and Buckeye Connections

Isaiah West, his high school teammate, had committed too. They'd dreamed of this moment, two kids from Philly making waves in the Midwest. And there were others—Joey, the wide receiver with hands like glue, and Malik, the safety who'd hit you like a freight train. They'd all chosen Ohio State, drawn by something intangible—the magic of the Horseshoe, the whispers of legends past.

Ohio State's Recruiting Class

Ohio State basically hit the jackpot with Maxwell. They were already ranked number one in the country, all thanks to Coach Day's awesome plan. But forget fancy titles, this was about everyone being on the same page, like a family of football players. They'd have each other's backs, through crazy games and late-night cramming.

Big news for Ohio State football fans! Four-star defensive end Zion Grady just joined the Buckeyes! The 6-foot-4, 225-pound beast from Alabama made it official after visiting Columbus Ohio this past weekend. This is a big win for the Buckeyes!

The Journey Begins

Grady fell in love with Ohio State way back in May when he visited. He said it blew away all his other visits – the city was awesome, and the Buckeyes treated him like a superstar. No wonder he decided to join the team so fast!

A Perfect Fit

The Buckeyes want Grady to play defensive end on their team. It’s a perfect fit for him, and he’s already on board. But Grady isn't just thinking about himself - he's trying to convince his friend Malik Autry to join him at Ohio State!

Grady, as a weakside defensive end, brings explosive speed and agility off the edge. His ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks on the field will be crucial at critical times in the season, especially on third downs and in the red zone.

The Buckeyes' Haul

With Grady's commitment, Ohio State's top-ranked 2025 recruiting class now boasts three talented defensive linemen. Alongside fellow defensive ends Zahir Mathis and London Merritt, Grady will be part of a formidable Rushmen unit under the guidance of Larry Johnson.

Grady’s commitment sends a strong signal to other recruits. His decision to choose Ohio State over other competitive programs reflects the Buckeyes’ passion and commitment to building a high-powered defense.

As the summer heat rolls in, the football scene is getting just as hot with prospects like Justin Hill from Winston Woods making waves. Hill, a name that's been on the lips of college football recruiters nationwide, has his eyes set on a big future, and Ohio State football is right there in his vision.

Hill's journey is nothing short of a high school football fairytale. Standing tall at 6-foot-3 and weighing a solid 220 pounds, this linebacker and edge rusher has been turning heads with his dominant power and rush moves that leave quarterbacks second-guessing their career choices. It's no wonder he's caught the attention of big names like Ohio State.

Summer College Visits

Now, let's talk visits because this summer, Hill's calendar is as packed as a stadium on game day. He's kicking things off with a visit to Ohio State from May 31 to June 2, which is sure to be a highlight. The Buckeyes have been showing serious interest, and it's clear they see Hill as a key player for their future defense.

But Ohio State isn't the only school on Hill's tour. He's got a lineup that would make any football fan envious. After Ohio State, he's heading to the University of Southern California from June 7 to 9, then down to Alabama from June 14 to 16, and finally, he'll wrap up his visits with Oregon starting either June 21 or 22. Talk about a busy summer!

Commitment Date

What's the endgame for Hill? Well, he's planning to announce his commitment on July 3, which also happens to be his 17th birthday – talk about a double celebration. It's a big decision, and with his talent, it's more than just picking a college; it's about shaping his future.

So, as we sit back and enjoy our summer barbecues, let's keep an eye out for Justin Hill. He's not just a football player; he's a young man with dreams as big as his tackles, and this summer is just the beginning. Ohio State fans, cross your fingers, because this could be the start of something great.

Chris Holtmann just signed a 6-year deal to be the new head coach at DePaul! Apparently, they offered him a sweet package, remembering how good he was back when he coached at Butler in the Big East.

At Ohio State, things were pretty good for Holtmann for a while. Even though they let him go last month, he took the Buckeyes to the NCAA tournament four years in a row, and they were even a really high seed in 2021. His very first year was amazing, with a 25-9 record, and they won an NCAA tournament game each of his first two years as coach. They might have lost early in the tournament a couple times, but hey, making it that far is pretty good!

Before Ohio State, Holtmann did great things at Butler too, taking them to the NCAA tournament three years in a row. He started out as an assistant coach at a smaller school and just kept moving up the ladder. At DePaul, he's replacing their old coach who got fired after a rough start to the season. DePaul hasn't even been to the NCAA tournament in ages, let alone the Sweet Sixteen!

Dude, the NFL Draft was insane for Cade Stover, that tight end from Ohio State! The Houston Texans snagged him in the 4th round, which means he's officially going from college ball to the pros! Talk about awesome!

The Buckeye Years

Stover totally crushed it as a tight end for the Buckeyes. Dude was a beast on the field – tall (like, 6'4"!), strong (we're talking 247 pounds!), and crazy athletic. Cade Stover was a beast out there! This Ohio State tight end reeled in amazing catches, laid down huge blocks, and never gave up. Last season (2023) was insane for him - 41 catches for 576 yards and 5 touchdowns! No wonder he won the Kwalick-Clark Big Ten Tight End of the Year award and made the first-team all-Big Ten Conference. Those 41 receptions and 576 yards are also the third most in a single season for Ohio State!

The NFL Combine

As draft day got closer, scouts were checking out Stover's performance at the NFL Combine. He did alright – good size, decent speed, and a solid jump. But some folks thought he might take a while to develop in the pros, maybe not become a superstar. The Texans, though, saw something special in him.

Here are his testing results from the combine:

40-Yard Dash: 4.65 seconds
10-Yard Split: 1.59 seconds
Vertical Jump: 34.5 inches
Broad Jump: 9 feet, 9 inches
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.45 seconds

The Texans' Pick

When they picked Stover at number 123, Texans fans were curious how he'd fit into their plays. Their coach, DeMeco Ryans, seemed to think Stover's flexibility would be a big asset, mentioning he could catch passes and block too. The big question though, was whether Stover could handle the jump from college to the NFL. The Houston Texans have a few tight ends on their roster. One notable player is Dalton Schultz. Schultz has been a reliable target in the passing game and has made significant contributions to the Texans’ offense.

C.J. Stroud's Influence

Well, guess who was already having a great rookie year with the Texans? Yep, Stover's old college teammate, quarterback C.J. Stroud. Stover wasn't surprised – he always knew Stroud was destined for greatness. They had this amazing connection at Ohio State, and now they get to team up again in the pros!

Conclusion

So there you have it. Cade Stover's rocking the Texans jersey now, and Buckeye Nation is behind him all the way. Whether he becomes a superstar or a key contributor, one thing's for sure: this is just the beginning for Stover. Keep an eye on this tight end – he's gonna be fun to watch in the NFL!

Hey Buckeye Fans! Get ready to high-five the sky because Aaron Bradshaw is coming to Ohio State!

Hey, remember that super tall dude who played for Kentucky? Yeah, the one who looked like he could dunk from the free throw line? That's Aaron Bradshaw! This guy's got skills for days, like a squirrel with an endless stash of nuts! And guess what? He's ditched the bluegrass for some scarlet and gray action.

The Bradshaw Buzz

That's the thing about Bradshaw, right? High school, he was a highlight reel! Alley-oops, throws down like nobody's business, arms longer than a whole dang summer. But yeah, freshman year at Kentucky? Let's just say it wasn't exactly smooth sailing. More like a haunted house funhouse – all the twists and turns, some good, some...well, not so much. Bradshaw actually missed the first part of his freshman season due to a foot injury. That definitely threw a wrench in getting his rhythm going.

From Bluegrass to Buckeye Country

But hold your horses, folks! Bradshaw's transferring to Ohio State, and Coach Jake Diebler is grinning like a Cheshire cat. Diebler's been busy as a bee, reshaping the Buckeyes' squad faster than you can say "three-pointer." He's got Meechie Johnson from South Carolina and Marcus Johnson, the guard with moves smoother than butter. And now, Bradshaw's the cherry on top.

What's in the Bradshaw Bag?

Picture this: Bradshaw in the paint, swatting shots like a ninja with a broomstick. He's got hands softer than a marshmallow, and his shooting game? Well, let's just say he's got more range than your Wi-Fi signal. Whether it's a hook shot or a fadeaway J, Bradshaw's got it covered. And those Buckeye fans? They're already practicing their "Aaron! Aaron!" chants.

From Tecmo Bowl to Ohio State: The Journey of Lamar "Bo" Jackson

Remember the days of pixelated football on your Nintendo entertainment system? If you do, the name "Bo Jackson" may conjure up memories of running unstoppable, zigzagging through virtual guards, and leaving a trail of frustrated competitors in his wake but this isn't about the video game legend; It’s about a real-life athlete who lives up to that iconic name.

Villa Angela-St. Joseph (VASJ) of Cleveland, Ohio. With a name that evokes '80s nostalgia, Bo is more than just a blast from the past. He is a 6-foot, 190-pound dynamo who can do it all—be it on the football field, baseball diamond or track.

The Ohio State Dream

Bo’s journey took a happy turn when Ohio State University (OSU) extended a football scholarship the summer after his freshman year. For Bo, it was like stepping on a dream she had since childhood. "You grow up watching them all the time," he said of OSU. "Their facilities and everything, coaches are really good. Of course, the players are great."

But Bo isn't just a one-sport wonder. Alongside OSU, he's fielding offers from other football powerhouses like Notre Dame, Michigan, and Kentucky. And let’s not forget his skills on the baseball field. VASJ head baseball coach Dennis Woods calls him "one of the most talented baseball players" he has ever coached. The play comes easily to Bo, whether he's swinging for the fence or running the base paths.

A Humble Star

VASJ's head football coach, Jeff Rotsky, knows that Bo is destined for greatness. "He's going to be an everywhere guy because he just is," Rotsky says. "He's a wonderfully kind kid, a humble kid. He doesn't say much. He kind of puts his nose down and does what he's supposed to do."

And it's not just the coaches who recognize Bo's special talent. Head track and field coach Nathaniel Wright IV appreciates having this dynamic athlete on his side. Bo's speed and agility make him an asset, whether he's sprinting down the track or rounding the bases.

The Legacy Continues

Bo Jackson isn’t just a name; That’s the property. Like his namesake Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, Bo is a blue-chip prospect with the world at his feet. When it comes to recruiting, Bo is keeping his options open. But one thing is for sure: it will leave a mark wherever it lands.

So, as we watch Bo weave through the defense and chase his dreams, let’s try the magic of a young player making history—one yard, one base, and one touchdown at a time. Villa Angela-St. Joseph is proud to call him their own, and Ohio State fans are eagerly waiting to see Bo light up the Horseshoe in scarlet and gray.

Bo Jackson: the name echoes through time, from Tecmo Bowl to the Buckeyes. And in 2025, we'll witness the next chapter of this remarkable journey.

The 2024 NFL Combine is buzzing, and guess who's turning heads? That's right, our Ohio State Buckeyes! These former college stars traded their familiar scarlet and gray uniforms for workout gear, ready to impress NFL teams in Indianapolis. Let's catch up with some of them!

Josh Proctor: Battling Back and Shining Bright

Safety Josh Proctor is a true inspiration. He's faced more challenges than a six-pack of Cedar Point roller coasters! Six years at Ohio State meant six different defensive coordinators, talk about a whirlwind! But tough times often build strong athletes. Even battling a broken leg in 2021 and getting benched early last season couldn't stop him. Now, Josh is standing tall in Indy, ready to show everyone what he's made of. "This has been a dream of mine forever," he says. "It's been a tough road, but I'm at the combine, and I'm prepared to prove myself."

Marvin Harrison Jr.: Carrying on the Legacy

Tomorrow's media darling? None other than Marvin Harrison Jr. Yep, the same name that echoes through the halls of Lucas Oil Stadium. His father, Marvin Sr., carved out a Hall of Fame career with the Colts. Now, Junior's here, measuring up at 6-foot-3¼, weighing 209 pounds, with arms that could launch a football to the moon (okay, maybe not the moon, but you get the drift). Marvin won't sweat it out in workouts—his pedigree speaks for itself.

Michael Hall Jr.: The Hamstring Saga

Michael Hall Jr., the man with a tweaked hamstring, won't be strutting his stuff at the combine. But fear not!
Mike Hall did not experience a hamstring issue while playing for Ohio State. He suffered the recent hamstring injury preparing for the 2024 NFL Combine in February of 2024. The minor injury is preventing him from participating in drills, but he is looking forward to participating at Ohio State's Pro Day on March 20, 2024.

The Combine Scoop

Eight Buckeyes made the cut for the combine:

1. Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR)
2. Miyan Williams (RB)
3. Cade Stover (TE)
4. Matthew Jones (OL)
5. Michael Hall Jr. (DT)
6. Steele Chambers (LB)
7. Tommy Eichenberg (LB)

Buckle up, because the past few weeks have been a coaching carousel for Ohio State football! The latest news? James Laurinaitis is now the head Linebackers Coach. Son to the legendary Road Warrior Animal, Laurinaitis brought his wealth of football wisdom to Ohio State in 2023, where he served as a graduate student coach.

James Laurinaitis Linebackers Coach

Now, he's stepping up to the big leagues, leading the next generation of Ohio State linebackers.

Cleveland Browns Interview

What's interesting is Laurinaitis's journey to this position. This move comes after Laurinaitis reportedly interviewed with the Cleveland Browns, potentially using that interest as leverage to secure his spot in Columbus.

Utilizing his connections and skills, Laurinaitis successfully secured the linebackers coach role for the Buckeyes after a series of interviews in Berea, demonstrating both his ambition and his knack for seizing opportunities.

Similar to Brian Hartline

This move also reminds me of Brian Hartline's journey. He too returned to his alma mater as a coach, and look how successful he's been! Could Laurinaitis follow a similar path?

Will he follow in Hartline's footsteps and achieve similar success? Only time will tell as Laurinaitis embarks on this new chapter in his football journey with the Buckeyes.