Eric Boggs
Ohio State secured the commitment of Maxwell Roy, a four-star defensive tackle for the 2025 class, on Monday. Until recently, Roy was expected to choose Michigan.
Roy, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 270 pounds, visited Michigan on June 21. However, Ohio State made a strong effort to recruit him in the last week, convincing him to start his college career in Columbus. He visited Ohio State on June 14 and Rutgers on May 31.
Ohio State’s defensive line coach, Johnson, has been successful in recruiting defensive linemen lately. He secured commitments from four-star defensive end Zion Grady on June 24 and Trajen Odom last Friday. Roy joins a strong group that already includes Zahir Mathis and London Merritt. With Roy’s commitment, Ohio State now has 22 recruits for the 2025 class, including five defensive linemen.
The Buckeyes are not stopping there. They are still pursuing more defensive linemen, such as Malik Autry and Jarquez Carter. Additionally, if five-star 2026 defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart reclassifies to 2025, Ohio State will be heavily involved in his recruitment this fall.
Roy attends St. Joseph’s Prep School in Philadelphia, a school well-known to Ohio State fans. His current teammate, three-star 2025 running back Isaiah West, committed to Ohio State in June. Former Buckeyes Marvin Harrison Jr. and Kyle McCord, as well as recent transfer safety Keenan Nelson Jr., also attended St. Joseph’s Prep.
Ohio State offered Roy a scholarship in May 2023. He has visited the campus several times, including last fall for the Maryland game. According to 247Sports’ composite rankings, Roy is the No. 229 overall prospect and No. 26 defensive line prospect in the 2025 class.
At Ohio State, Roy is expected to play as an interior defensive lineman, potentially as a three-technique in defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ scheme. In high school, Roy played in a 3-4 base defense but has shown he can excel in a 4-3 scheme as well.
Roy is known for his strong run defense, quickly plugging running lanes even against double teams. His powerful pass rush moves have been enhanced by his experience as a wrestler. He is quick for his size and can chase down ball carriers in the backfield.
Current starting defensive tackles Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton are both seniors, so Roy could have a chance to earn a spot in the rotation as a freshman. While he may need a year or two to develop, Roy has the potential to be a key contributor to Ohio State’s defense in the future.
