ESPN BREAKING: No. 1 Player in America Commits to Ohio State Over Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida State — Buckeyes Score Massive Recruiting Win
In a blockbuster announcement that has reshaped the 2025 college football recruiting landscape, the No. 1 overall player in America, five-star defensive end Zion Mitchell, has officially committed to Ohio State University. The Columbus powerhouse has beaten out a trio of SEC and ACC juggernauts—Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida State—to land the generational talent, sparking celebration in Buckeye Nation and raising eyebrows across the country.
Mitchell, a 6-foot-6, 250-pound edge rusher out of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, is widely regarded as the most dominant high school football player in years. A freak athlete with 4.5 speed, elite hand technique, and an uncanny ability to read offenses, Mitchell has drawn comparisons to NFL greats like Myles Garrett and Chase Young—ironically, another Ohio State product.
“Ohio State felt like home,” Mitchell said during his live commitment on ESPN. “Coach Day and Coach Johnson believed in me from day one. They didn’t just sell the NFL dream—they showed me how they would develop me into a complete player, on and off the field.”
For months, the recruiting battle for Mitchell had been a high-stakes arms race. Georgia, with its defensive legacy and recent national championships, was viewed as the frontrunner early on. Tennessee made a late push with NIL incentives and a growing program under Josh Heupel. Florida State, meanwhile, pitched proximity and tradition, hoping to keep the Florida native close to home.
But in the end, it was Ohio State’s combination of player development, winning culture, and NFL pedigree that sealed the deal.
“This is a program-changing commitment,” said ESPN recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill. “Zion Mitchell isn’t just a five-star—he’s a cornerstone. A player who immediately raises the ceiling for Ohio State’s entire defense.”
The Buckeyes’ recruiting class, already stacked with elite offensive talent, now boasts the headline defensive force it needed. Mitchell’s addition is expected to catapult Ohio State’s 2025 class to No. 1 in the national rankings, ahead of Alabama and Texas.
For defensive line coach Larry Johnson, widely regarded as one of the best in the country, this is yet another feather in an already legendary cap. Johnson has mentored a long list of NFL stars, and Mitchell cited his relationship with Johnson as “one of the biggest factors” in his decision.
“Coach J is a legend,” Mitchell said. “I want to be the next great pass rusher to come out of Columbus.”
Fans are already dreaming of Mitchell terrorizing Big Ten quarterbacks for years to come. Social media lit up with excitement following the commitment, with hashtags like #ZionToColumbus and #BuckeyeBuilt trending within minutes.
Meanwhile, rival programs are regrouping. Georgia and Tennessee now shift their focus to Plan B targets, but there’s no denying the magnitude of the loss. Mitchell was the crown jewel of the 2025 class—and Ohio State just stole it.
With Zion Mitchell’s commitment, Ohio State has sent a loud, national message: The Buckeyes aren’t just reloading—they’re building
something unstoppable.
