Stephon Shivers, a highly sought-after defensive lineman from the 2025 recruiting class, has made waves in the college football recruiting world with his recent decision to decommit from the University of Georgia and flip his commitment to Ohio State. This move is significant not only for Shivers’ future but also for both the Bulldogs and the Buckeyes, as his talent has made him one of the top recruits in his class.
Shivers, who hails from a football-rich area, has been attracting attention from major programs for years due to his blend of size, athleticism, and motor. Standing at 6’5” and weighing around 290 pounds, he possesses the physical traits that many programs look for in a defensive lineman. His ability to dominate in the trenches while also showing the agility to rush the passer makes him a versatile weapon on defense. Before his decommitment, Shivers had committed to Georgia in what seemed to be a major win for the Bulldogs, known for their consistently strong defense and successful recruitment of elite players in the trenches. Georgia’s defensive line, often regarded as one of the best in the nation, would have undoubtedly provided a strong platform for Shivers to develop his skills further under the tutelage of head coach Kirby Smart and defensive line coach Tray Scott.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Shivers announced his decommitment from Georgia and re-opened his recruitment. Many were quick to speculate about the reasons behind the change. Shivers had long been linked to Ohio State, and rumors had begun circulating that the Buckeyes were making a strong push for his services. The decommitment and flip to Ohio State, which is known for its high-powered offense and solid defensive line play, certainly sent shockwaves throughout the recruiting world.
The Ohio State program, led by head coach Ryan Day, has consistently been a powerhouse on the national stage, particularly in terms of developing defensive talent. Ohio State’s track record of sending defensive linemen to the NFL, combined with their competitive edge in the Big Ten, made them an appealing destination for Shivers. The Buckeyes have been building a solid foundation on defense, and adding a prospect of Shivers’ caliber is a significant boost to their recruiting efforts.
For Georgia, the loss of Shivers is certainly a blow, especially with the strong emphasis they place on recruiting elite defensive players. The Bulldogs have managed to reload year after year, but Shivers would have been a key piece of their defensive future. His decommitment, however, is a reminder that recruiting is a dynamic process, with top-tier prospects often switching allegiances as their relationships with coaching staffs evolve and as other programs make their pitches.
For Shivers, this flip to Ohio State marks an exciting new chapter in his recruitment. It provides him with a chance to develop his skills in one of the top football programs in the country and to compete for national championships while showcasing his talents on the big stage. With his commitment to the Buckeyes, Shivers solidifies his place among the elite prospects of the 2025 class and sets the stage for what will surely be a highly anticipated collegiate career.
In the coming months, all eyes will be on Shivers as he continues to develop both on and off the field, with Ohio State now firmly in his corner. As the recruiting process continues to unfold, the Buckeyes will be hoping that their late push for the talented defensive lineman pays off in the long run.
