Massive Update on Ohio State Buckeyes’ Top 4-Star Pass Rusher

The Ohio State Buckeyes are one of college football’s most powerful and consistent programs when it comes to both competing on the field and recruiting elite-level talent across the country. As the 2025 recruiting cycle enters its final stretch, all eyes have turned toward one name that continues to generate buzz in Columbus and beyond: four-star edge rusher Malik Jefferson.

Jefferson, a 6-foot-5, 240-pound pass rusher from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been at the center of attention since his breakout junior year when he recorded 18.5 sacks, 32 tackles for loss, and established himself as one of the most feared defenders in the state. Ohio State has been involved in his recruitment for over a year, and while he initially listed the Buckeyes as his leader, recent developments have made his recruitment far more unpredictable—and far more compelling.

What makes Jefferson such a coveted prospect isn’t just his production, but the rare combination of length, athleticism, bend, and explosiveness off the edge. He plays with relentless energy, a natural ability to turn speed into power, and an instinctive feel for when to disengage and attack the quarterback. His frame suggests he can add more muscle without losing quickness, making him a perfect fit in Ohio State’s multiple-front defense.

For much of the 2024 season, Jefferson was considered a lock for Ohio State. He visited multiple times during the season, including for their win over Penn State and again during their official Junior Day in February. His family reportedly developed a strong relationship with Ohio State’s defensive line coach, and head coach Ryan Day made Jefferson one of the program’s top priorities. “They’re not just recruiting me as a player, they’re recruiting me as a man,” Jefferson said during an interview in January. “It feels like home.”

But as is often the case in college football recruiting, things rarely stay simple. In March 2025, Jefferson announced he was reopening his recruitment—not a decommitment per se, as he hadn’t formally committed—but a recalibration of his decision-making process. He emphasized that Ohio State remained a top contender, but he would now take a closer look at Florida State, Alabama, and USC before making a final decision.

The news sent shockwaves through Buckeye Nation. Recruiting insiders and analysts scrambled to decode the move. Was this a sign that Ohio State had cooled on Jefferson? Was NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) money from other schools playing a role? Or was Jefferson simply being strategic—leveraging interest from multiple programs to ensure the best possible fit, development, and opportunity?

According to those close to the recruitment, it’s a mix of all three. Florida State, in particular, has emerged as a major threat. The Seminoles are selling a vision of early playing time and a scheme that’s tailor-made for Jefferson’s skillset. Playing in-state, close to family, and in a program that’s back on the national radar holds appeal. Alabama, as always, remains a recruiting machine, and with Nick Saban’s replacement proving to be no slouch on the trail, the Crimson Tide can’t be counted out.

USC has been the biggest surprise. New defensive coordinator changes and a more aggressive recruiting push from the West Coast have positioned the Trojans as a dark horse. The draw of Los Angeles, a massive NIL infrastructure, and early playing time in the Big Ten have made Jefferson’s interest in USC very real.

So where does that leave Ohio State?

Internally, the Buckeyes remain confident. Their 2025 class is loaded, especially along the defensive front. Five-star defensive tackle Quincy Daniels out of Georgia committed in April, and four-star strongside end Chris Nwoke from Texas pledged in May. The Buckeyes believe that their development track record, culture, and facilities will ultimately win out.

Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has been personally involved in Jefferson’s recruitment. Knowles, known for his aggressive blitzing style and ability to maximize edge talent, reportedly sees Jefferson as the next in a line of elite pass rushers who could step into a Jack linebacker role—a hybrid position that would allow Jefferson to play both upright and hand-in-the-dirt, maximizing his versatility.

The Buckeyes are also banking on player relationships. Jefferson has struck up a strong bond with quarterback commit Marcus Bentley and cornerback signee Jahari James, both top-100 players who’ve actively recruited Jefferson behind the scenes. “We want to build something special,” Bentley said. “Malik makes us better. He knows that.”

On the field, Ohio State’s need at defensive end remains real. With JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer having declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, and younger players still developing, Jefferson would be walking into a situation with immediate opportunity. While not expected to start Day One, a rotational role with a path to major snaps by midseason is very much on the table.

There are whispers that a decision could come sooner than expected. While Jefferson had originally indicated he might wait until early signing day in December, multiple sources suggest he’s leaning toward making a summer decision to avoid the chaos of late-stage recruiting drama. If true, that bodes well for the Buckeyes, who will host him again in June for an official visit.

The June visit is shaping up to be a make-or-break moment. Ohio State plans to roll out the red carpet, with alumni appearances, film sessions, NIL presentations, and one-on-one time with Ryan Day and Jim Knowles. More importantly, Jefferson will get another chance to connect with players and imagine what life in Columbus would really look like.

Recruiting, as always, is fluid. One week a program is in the lead; the next, they’re on the outside looking in. But with less than three months to go until Jefferson is expected to announce, Ohio State is doing everything in its power to secure one of the final jewels of its class.

Landing Jefferson would serve multiple purposes. It would fill a critical need at the edge position. It would reinforce Ohio State’s continued dominance in the South, particularly Florida, where they’ve had great success over the years. And it would help silence any narrative that NIL, coaching turnover, or geographical disadvantage are putting the Buckeyes at a disadvantage in modern recruiting battles.

For Jefferson, the decision won’t come easy. Each program on his list offers something compelling. Florida State offers proximity. Alabama offers legacy and championship pedigree. USC offers lifestyle and a wide-open Big Ten path. But Ohio State offers balance. It offers winning, development, spotlight, and a clear track record of sending edge defenders to the NFL.

Whether that’s enough remains to be seen. But make no mistake—this is the recruitment that could define Ohio State’s 2025 class. All signs point to a tight race down the stretch, with Buckeye fans holding their breath as one of the nation’s premier pass rushers inches closer to a decision that will shape the future of multiple programs.