The nation’s No. 2 linebacker in the 2027 class says he can easily envision himself playing at Ohio State after a strong workout session with Buckeyes linebackers coach James Laurinaitis.
The country’s No. 2 linebacker in the class of 2027 walked away from his recent trip to Columbus with more than just sweat on his brow—he left with a vision of his future. Following a high-energy, detail-focused workout with Ohio State linebackers coach James Laurinaitis, the rising high school star was left both impressed and inspired. He didn’t hold back when asked about the visit, openly saying he could see himself wearing scarlet and gray one day. In a world of college football recruiting that’s often filled with guarded statements and non-committal phrases, that’s a pretty strong endorsement.
This wasn’t just another visit to just another school. For the 2027 linebacker, who has already garnered offers from dozens of top programs, there was something different about Ohio State. The atmosphere, the attention to detail, the rich tradition, and especially Laurinaitis himself—one of the greatest linebackers in Buckeye history and now one of the program’s most respected young coaches—made a serious impression. “It felt like home,” the linebacker said. “From the moment I stepped on the field and started working with Coach Laurinaitis, it just clicked.”
What clicked, exactly, was a combination of the Buckeyes’ developmental philosophy and Laurinaitis’s unique ability to connect with young talent. Laurinaitis, a former All-American and NFL veteran, carries the weight of experience in a way few other position coaches can. But it’s not just his resume that resonates with recruits—it’s the way he teaches. For this linebacker, the hands-on coaching and direct feedback during drills painted a picture of what development at Ohio State would look like. “He’s a real one,” the linebacker said of Laurinaitis. “He’s been there, done that. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and I respect that.”
Laurinaitis ran the linebacker through a series of position-specific drills designed to test his agility, footwork, awareness, and ability to read offensive formations. The attention to detail stood out. “He was watching every movement I made,” the linebacker recalled. “He’d stop me, correct me, and then make me do it again. I loved that. It shows he really cares about making his guys better.” That kind of focus can make a lasting impact, and in this case, it did.
It’s no secret that Ohio State has long been a factory for elite linebackers. From A.J. Hawk and Ryan Shazier to Raekwon McMillan and most recently Tommy Eichenberg, the program has consistently churned out NFL-ready talent at the position. Laurinaitis, of course, was one of the most decorated linebackers in Buckeye history. Now, as a coach, he’s building the next generation in that same mold. For the 2027 linebacker prospect, the idea of being part of that lineage is a powerful one. “When you grow up watching guys like that and now you’re being coached by one of them—it’s crazy. It makes you think, ‘Maybe this is where I’m supposed to be.’”
The visit wasn’t just about football, though. The linebacker also had a chance to tour the facilities, meet with academic advisors, and speak with Ryan Day, Ohio State’s head coach. Each interaction helped solidify the idea that Columbus could be more than just a four-year stop—it could be a place to grow as a person, not just as a player. “It felt like a family vibe,” he said. “They weren’t just trying to impress me. They were trying to get to know me.”
That family atmosphere is something Ohio State has leaned into heavily in recent years, especially under Day’s leadership. With recruiting becoming more cutthroat and NIL opportunities influencing decision-making more than ever, Day and his staff have emphasized culture and long-term development. For high-level prospects who are looking beyond the flashy graphics and social media hype, that approach can stand out. “They’re real people over there,” the linebacker said. “You can feel the difference.”
As one of the top-ranked defensive players in the 2027 cycle, the linebacker’s recruitment is already drawing national attention. Schools from across the country are lining up with offers, facilities tours, and customized visit plans. But even in a landscape flooded with opportunity, certain places rise above the rest. That’s what made his words about Ohio State so significant. When a player of his caliber says, “I could see myself here,” it’s not just lip service—it’s a signal.
Recruiting battles in college football are often won and lost on the margins. Relationships, comfort level, development plans, and even singular conversations can shift the direction of a commitment. In this case, Laurinaitis’s ability to connect on a personal and professional level could end up being the key factor. “He’s not just coaching you—he’s mentoring you,” the linebacker explained. “He talks about life, not just football. That’s the kind of coach I want to play for.”
That kind of sentiment is becoming increasingly common among top recruits who interact with Laurinaitis. Though he’s relatively new to the coaching world, his natural leadership, combined with his credibility as a former All-American and NFL veteran, gives him an edge. And the results are starting to show. Since taking over as linebackers coach, Laurinaitis has played a direct role in landing and developing some of the nation’s top linebacker prospects. The 2027 linebacker certainly noticed. “You can see the results already,” he said. “You see how his guys play. They play fast, smart, and aggressive. That’s what I want.”
While the linebacker hasn’t set a commitment date yet, his comments suggest that Ohio State has firmly planted itself among his top contenders. The Buckeyes are expected to host him again later this year, possibly for a game day visit where he’ll get to see the program in full motion. For now, though, the foundation has been laid. The combination of elite coaching, a proven track record of NFL development, and an authentic connection has given Ohio State a significant early edge in his recruitment.
What happens next will depend on a number of factors—continued communication, visits, the performance of Ohio State’s defense this season, and how other programs make their pitches. But there’s no denying the importance of this early connection. For the linebacker, the visit was about more than just football—it was about finding a place where he felt seen, understood, and pushed to be better. And for Laurinaitis and Ohio State, it was an opportunity to showcase exactly why they remain one of the most coveted destinations for defensive talent.
The recruiting trail is long and often unpredictable, especially for prospects with multiple years left before graduation. Coaching changes, new offers, and even NIL deals can shift a recruit’s outlook in a matter of weeks. But early impressions matter. And when a player walks away from a workout with one of the country’s most storied programs and says he could see himself there, people take notice.
It’s a testament to the work Laurinaitis is doing—not just teaching technique, but building relationships that resonate. It’s a testament to the culture Ryan Day is fostering, one where players are more than just athletes. And it’s a sign that Ohio State remains at the forefront of elite recruiting, able to connect with the next generation of stars in meaningful, lasting ways.
For now, the linebacker will continue his development, hitting the summer camp circuit and weighing all his options. But when asked which visit stood out the most so far, he didn’t hesitate. “Ohio State,” he said, with conviction in his voice. “That one hit different.”
And for Buckeye fans, that’s a message worth remembering. Because when one of the nation’s best defenders says he can picture himself in Columbus, that’s not just a compliment—that’s a warning shot to every other program in the country. Ohio State isn’t just in the race. They might be in the lead.
