Eli Lee marks the fifth consecutive year Ohio State has secured a commitment from an in-state linebacker, following in the footsteps of Garrett Stover (2024), Arvell Reese (2023), C.J. Hicks (2022), and Reid Carrico (2021).

Eli Lee’s decision to commit to Ohio State continues a compelling trend that has become a cornerstone of the Buckeyes’ recruiting success: keeping elite homegrown linebacker talent within state lines. With Lee’s pledge, Ohio State has now landed an in-state linebacker for five consecutive recruiting cycles—a testament to the coaching staff’s consistency in identifying, developing, and retaining local defensive standouts. This run includes Garrett Stover in the 2024 class, Arvell Reese in 2023, C.J. Hicks in 2022, and Reid Carrico in 2021, forming a lineage of Ohio-born defenders poised to carry on the program’s proud linebacker legacy.

Lee’s commitment is not merely about numbers; it symbolizes the continued resonance of Ohio State’s brand with top-tier talent raised in the Buckeye State. The coaching staff, led by Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, has emphasized building a roster with a strong local foundation. That mission has paid dividends, especially at linebacker—a position where toughness, instinct, and blue-collar work ethic often define success. These traits are often abundant in players who grew up watching Ohio State football and dreaming of donning the scarlet and gray.

The Buckeyes’ ability to land five straight in-state linebackers is not a coincidence. It is the result of meticulous scouting, strategic development, and an environment where elite players see a clear path to becoming stars. Reid Carrico, the 2021 commit from Ironton, was one of the first dominoes to fall in this streak. Carrico brought a hard-nosed, downhill playing style that mirrored traditional Big Ten linebacking. His commitment helped re-establish Ohio State’s identity at the position and showed that top prospects from within the state were willing to pass on other national programs to play in Columbus.

Then came C.J. Hicks, a five-star linebacker from Kettering Archbishop Alter, whose 2022 commitment elevated expectations for what a modern Buckeyes linebacker could be. Hicks brought a rare combination of size, speed, and football IQ—making him one of the most highly touted defensive prospects in the country that year. His decision to stay home and lead the defense of the future sent a clear message: Ohio State was still the dream school for Ohio’s best, and linebacker was once again a position of strength.

Arvell Reese continued that trend in 2023. Hailing from Glenville High School in Cleveland, Reese joined a prestigious lineage of Glenville-to-Ohio State athletes, which includes names like Ted Ginn Jr., Donte Whitner, and Troy Smith. Reese’s versatility and athleticism offered a different profile—he was a hybrid defender capable of contributing both on the edge and in coverage. His commitment underscored Ohio State’s willingness to evolve defensively while still prioritizing local recruiting pipelines.

Garrett Stover’s 2024 commitment carried its own weight, both in talent and in bloodline. A cousin of current Buckeyes tight end Cade Stover, Garrett was well-versed in what it meant to play for Ohio State. Coming out of Big Walnut High School, he was another player whose physicality and commitment to excellence made him an ideal fit for Knowles’ system. His understanding of the program’s culture and tradition made his recruitment feel like a continuation of a family legacy.

Now, with Eli Lee joining the fold in the 2025 cycle, the Buckeyes have once again shown they know how to identify and retain Ohio’s best defensive talent. Lee, a product of Archbishop Hoban in Akron, brings instincts and leadership that have already made him a standout at the high school level. His decision to commit early in the cycle shows just how strong Ohio State’s pull remains within its borders.

But more than just symbolic victories, these commitments have a tangible impact on the team’s ability to compete nationally. Depth at linebacker has long been a crucial component of championship-caliber teams, and Ohio State’s approach to securing elite talent at the position reflects that understanding. These in-state commitments allow the coaching staff to focus out-of-state recruiting efforts elsewhere—knowing that the linebacker room will continue to be stocked with players who are both physically capable and emotionally invested in the success of the program.

There’s also a cohesion that forms when a position group shares a regional identity. Linebackers from the same state often come from similar football backgrounds: hard-nosed coaching, Friday nights under bright lights, and communities that live and breathe the game. That shared experience builds camaraderie and accountability. When Lee arrives on campus, he won’t be joining a group of strangers—he’ll be stepping into a room with other Ohioans who understand exactly what it means to wear the Buckeye uniform.

This streak is all the more impressive given the national scope of college football recruiting today. Top programs are fighting tooth and nail to pluck elite prospects from each other’s backyards. For Ohio State to keep its top linebacker targets home year after year speaks volumes about the culture and direction of the program. It also reflects the trust that families and high school coaches place in the Buckeyes to take care of their players—not just as athletes, but as students and young men.

The development path these linebackers follow once they get to Columbus is just as important as the commitments themselves. Ohio State has invested heavily in strength and conditioning, nutrition, film study, and mental preparation. The coaching staff treats each linebacker as a future starter, no matter where they rank on the depth chart as freshmen. That long-term approach has helped previous stars like Ryan Shazier, Raekwon McMillan, and Malik Harrison grow into NFL-caliber defenders. Now, it’s the current group’s turn to carry that tradition forward.

Eli Lee enters a situation where the expectations are high, but the blueprint for success is clearly laid out. He’s not just joining a program—he’s joining a lineage, one that values grit, loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. He’ll learn from veterans like Hicks and Stover while competing against other top-tier talent brought in from across the country. That mix of local pride and national competitiveness is what makes Ohio State’s linebacker room so dynamic.

As the Buckeyes continue to build toward another championship run, having a strong core of homegrown talent is essential. These are the players who understand the stakes, who grew up watching “The Game,” and who carry the responsibility of upholding the state’s football tradition. For fans, there’s something uniquely satisfying about seeing Ohio kids make plays in Ohio Stadium, representing their communities on one of college football’s grandest stages.

And it’s not just a feel-good story. These in-state linebackers have the potential to be difference-makers. They’re not being offered scholarships as a courtesy—they’re being brought in to lead, to dominate, and to leave a legacy. In a sport where the margins between winning and losing are razor-thin, having linebackers who are fully bought in—physically, mentally, and emotionally—can be the edge that separates contenders from champions.

Looking ahead, it will be fascinating to see how this trend continues. Will the Buckeyes land a sixth straight in-state linebacker next cycle? That remains to be seen, but the groundwork has certainly been laid. High school players across Ohio now see a clear path to success at linebacker in Columbus. They’ve watched Carrico, Hicks, Reese, Stover, and now Lee commit and begin to carve out their roles. That kind of visibility and continuity strengthens recruiting momentum and deepens the bond between the program and the state.

Ultimately, Eli Lee’s commitment is about much more than one name on a list. It’s about tradition, continuity, and the belief that Ohio’s best should play for Ohio State. It’s about a staff that has made recruiting the heart of the state a priority—and a group of young men who believe in that vision. With each commitment, that bond grows stronger, and the foundation of the program becomes even more secure. In a world of transfer portals and national recruiting battles, the Buckeyes’ ability to win at home might just be their most powerful asset of all.