“I Haven’t Been to a School Like That Yet”: Four-Star EDGE High on Ryan Day’s Ohio State After First-Ever Visit

It only takes one visit to change everything in the world of college football recruiting. For four-star EDGE rusher Malik Carter, that moment may have come during his first-ever trip to Columbus, Ohio. The 6-foot-5, 240-pound pass-rushing phenom out of Buford, Georgia, stepped foot on Ohio State’s campus this past weekend—and left stunned, impressed, and strongly considering a future in scarlet and gray.

“I haven’t been to a school like that yet,” Carter said following the visit, his voice still tinged with awe. “From the facilities, to the coaching staff, to the way they run things—it’s just different at Ohio State.”

Those are words that Buckeye fans love to hear, especially when they come from one of the most explosive and coveted defensive talents in the 2025 recruiting class. And while Carter is still early in the process of making a final decision, it’s clear that Ryan Day, defensive line coach Larry Johnson, and the entire Ohio State program made a major move.

The Rising Star From Georgia

Carter has been steadily climbing the national rankings for over a year. He’s long possessed elite traits—twitchy athleticism, long arms, a relentless motor—but in the past 12 months, his production and technique have begun to catch up with his raw ability. Now, he’s viewed as a top-100 national prospect and one of the premier EDGE defenders in the Southeast.

Playing for a powerhouse like Buford High School—an annual Georgia state title contender that has produced dozens of college players—means Carter has been tested against elite competition. He’s faced future SEC linemen and been tasked with anchoring a defense expected to perform under Friday night lights every week. That pressure has only fueled his development.

“He’s one of the most naturally gifted kids I’ve coached,” Buford defensive coordinator Troy Arnold told local reporters. “But what makes him special is the way he studies film, works on his technique, and leads by example.”

Now, with more than 25 offers from programs including Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, USC, and Texas, Carter has become one of the most sought-after recruits in the country.

The Ohio State Pitch

While Carter had been hearing from Ohio State for months, he admitted he wasn’t entirely sure what to expect before visiting Columbus. What he found, however, far exceeded any preconceived notions.

“They rolled out the red carpet,” Carter said. “It wasn’t just about showing me the weight room or the locker room. Coach Day and Coach Johnson made it personal. They talked about my future. My goals. Not just as a football player, but as a man.”

That message resonated with Carter, whose family has emphasized long-term stability and character development in his recruitment. The chance to learn under legendary defensive line coach Larry Johnson, in particular, made a strong impression.

“Coach Johnson is a legend. He’s put so many guys in the league—Chase Young, the Bosa brothers, all of them. But he’s humble, too. He told me straight up: ‘I don’t promise playing time. I promise development.’ That stuck with me.”

The Buckeyes showed Carter how he’d fit into their aggressive 4-2-5 defensive scheme, with the flexibility to stand up on the edge or put his hand in the dirt. Film cutups highlighted similar players like JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer—two former five-stars who have thrived under Johnson’s tutelage.

“They see me as someone who can move around, get after the quarterback, drop into coverage if needed, and just cause chaos,” Carter said. “That’s exactly how I play.”

Ryan Day’s Changing Perception on Defense

For years, Ohio State has been known for its offensive fireworks under Ryan Day. From Justin Fields to C.J. Stroud and now Julian Sayin, the Buckeyes have been a quarterback-driven machine. But in recent seasons, Day has made a deliberate pivot toward re-establishing a dominant defense.

With the hiring of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and a renewed emphasis on physicality and versatility, Ohio State’s defense has gone from inconsistent to elite. In 2023 and 2024, the Buckeyes ranked among the nation’s top five in total defense, stifling Big Ten opponents and holding playoff foes in check.

Recruits like Carter are noticing.

“Everyone talks about the offense, but that defense is nasty,” Carter said. “They get after it. And they’re not just big and strong—they’re smart, too. That’s the kind of defense I want to be part of.”

Day’s ability to sell that vision, paired with Johnson’s decades of D-line success, has given Ohio State renewed pull with top defensive recruits from all over the country, including the talent-rich South.

Breaking Into SEC Territory

One of the more notable aspects of Carter’s visit is what it represents symbolically: Ohio State continuing to gain traction in SEC recruiting territory. For decades, Georgia and Alabama have locked down the Deep South’s top defensive talent. But in recent cycles, Ohio State has begun breaking that mold.

In 2023, the Buckeyes landed five-star safety Caleb Downs from Georgia. In 2024, they added five-star cornerback Bryce West and EDGE rusher Eddrick Houston—another Buford product. Now, with Carter and others in their sights, Ohio State is proving it can go into SEC strongholds and win.

“It’s not about geography anymore,” Carter said. “It’s about development. Who’s going to get me ready for the next level? That’s what matters.”

That mindset plays perfectly into Ohio State’s recruiting pitch, which emphasizes NFL preparation, national exposure, and playoff appearances.

“Coach Day said, ‘We’re not just trying to win the Big Ten. We’re trying to win it all,’” Carter said. “That’s the energy I want to be around.”

The Impact of the Visit

Following the visit, Carter’s recruitment appears to have taken a turn. While he hasn’t named a definitive leader, sources close to his camp suggest Ohio State is now firmly in his top three, alongside Georgia and Alabama.

More importantly, the visit has sparked a desire to return.

“I definitely want to get back up there,” Carter said. “Probably for an official visit. Maybe even a game day.”

Game day visits at Ohio State are legendary. From the Skull Session to the walk through the ‘Shoe, the atmosphere is electric. If Carter experiences that environment firsthand, the Buckeyes could further solidify their standing.

In the meantime, the staff remains in close contact, with Coach Johnson texting and FaceTiming regularly.

“They don’t pressure me,” Carter said. “They just keep it real. And that’s all I want.”

A Decision Timeline

Carter said he isn’t in a rush to commit, though he hopes to narrow his list by the end of the summer. He’ll take a handful of official visits in June and July before making a decision ahead of his senior season.

“I want to focus on my team and our goals,” he said. “So probably sometime in August or early September I’ll make a call.”

With NIL discussions, playoff ambitions, and NFL dreams all factoring in, the decision will be a complex one. But Carter insists the heart of his choice will come down to fit.

“Where do I feel like I’m part of a family? Where do I trust the coaches to take me to the next level? That’s what I’m asking myself.”

If his Ohio State visit is any indication, Columbus may now check all those boxes.

What It Means for Ohio State

If the Buckeyes land Malik Carter, it would be another major victory in what’s shaping up to be an elite 2025 defensive class. Pairing Carter with other top defensive targets like linebacker Zayden Walker and safety Jonah Williams would send a powerful message to the rest of college football.

It would also extend Ohio State’s recruiting dominance into the Peach State—again—giving Ryan Day a foothold in SEC country.

Beyond that, Carter’s commitment could serve as a domino effect. EDGE rushers attract attention, and elite players want to play alongside other elite talents. Bringing in Carter could help seal the deal with other national targets.

And on the field? The idea of Carter lining up opposite Jack Sawyer or Kenyatta Jackson in 2025 is enough to make any Big Ten offensive coordinator sweat.

College football is full of transformational moments, and for Malik Carter, his visit to Ohio State may go down as one of them. What started as a trip to “just see what it’s like” has become a pivotal chapter in his recruitment—and potentially the beginning of a career-changing relationship.

“I’ve been to a lot of schools,” Carter said. “But Ohio State? That one hit different.”

Ryan Day, Larry Johnson, and the Buckeyes are hoping it hit hard enough to bring another game-changer to Columbus.