Ohio State is in a great spot to add another major recruiting piece just before the holiday

Ohio State could get some early fireworks just before Independence Day on July 3 when a major target announces his decision.

Four-star edge rusher Justin Hill is an in-state target who attends Winton Woods in Cincinnati. WOOds is a major target of Larry Johnson and someone who could end up playing the JACK role for the defense. Hill will veritably have to bulk up, as he is listed at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds.

According to the 247 Sports Composite, Hill is the No. 4 edge rusher in the country and No. 58 player nationally. Ohio State recently got a commitment from four-star Zion Grady and has Zahir Mathis as a verbal commitment as well. Trajen Odom and London Merritt are currently the interior players committed.

A point of emphasis for Ohio State has always been to keep the best in the state from leaving. Getting Hill is an example of making that happen and something that the staff has to do. Hill took his official to Ohio State in May and visited USC, Alabama, and Oregon over the course of June.

247 Sports’ Allen Trieu’s evaluation of Hill shows a very talented player :

“Athletic linebacker prospect with a track background. That shows up in his ability to close on quarterbacks and ball carriers and he has a quick first step off the ball. Can bend and get leverage, and agility makes it tough for offensive linemen to get a clean punch off on him. Shows speed to power ability but additional weight and strength will help that. Very good in a chase position and runs down plays even down field. Has the tools to drop into coverage if asked to but needs more reps there. Has played off-ball and can do that at the next level also, but right now, looks like a real asset as a pass-rusher. 3-4 outside backer or a hybrid 4-3 EDGE who can also play some SAM are all potential destinations as he brings versatility and variety to a defensive scheme. Has the speed and athleticism to be an impact player at a high-major program.” - Allen Trieu, 247 Sports

Hill would be commitment No. 22 for the Buckeyes in a class where they will likely take close to 30 players.

Ohio State has to get a commitment from Hill on July 3 and stop him from going to one of the new Big Ten schools potentially.

Ohio State’s 2025 verbal commits

• QB Tavien St. Clair
• CB Devin Sanchez
• CB Na’eem Offord
• OT Carter Lowe
• LB Tarvos Alford
• RB Bo Jackson
• DE Zahir Mathis
• DL London Merritt
• TE Nate Roberts
• WR De’Zie Jones
• S DeShawn Stewart
• LB Eli Lee
• S Cody Haddad
• S Faheem Delane
• WR Quincy Porter
• RB Isaiah West
• WR Bodpegn Miller
• OL Jake Cook
• TE Brody Lennon
• DL Trajen Odom

Related: Month of June was huge for the future of Ohio State’s football program