Eric Boggs
James Laurinaitis continues to make his mark on the recruiting trail, and Ohio State fans have plenty to be excited about after the Buckeyes secured a major defensive commitment in the 2027 class. Four-star linebacker Quinton Cypher announced his pledge to Ohio State on Friday, choosing the Buckeyes over a formidable group of finalists that included Alabama, Georgia and Miami.
Cypher, the No. 192 overall prospect and No. 11 linebacker nationally in the 2027 cycle, brings elite production and polish to Columbus. Hailing from Millbrook High School in Raleigh, North Carolina, he has been a varsity starter since his freshman season and has established himself as one of the most productive defenders in the country. Cypher has recorded at least 155 tackles in each of his first three high school seasons, and as a junior in 2025, he elevated his play even further with an eye-opening 181 tackles, 48 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and four interceptions.
Ohio State identified Cypher early, extending an offer during his sophomore year on Aug. 28, 2024, and that early investment paid off. In addition to his final four, Cypher held scholarship offers from nearly every major program in the country, underscoring just how competitive his recruitment became.
What stands out most on Cypher’s film is his exceptional instincts. He consistently diagnoses plays before they develop, attacks downhill with authority, and shows rare ball skills for a linebacker. His ability to read screens, drop into coverage and finish plays with sound tackling form makes him a complete, modern linebacker. Add in his experience on offense as a running back and wide receiver, and it’s easy to see why Laurinaitis sees such high upside in his game.
At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, Cypher already has the size to contribute at the next level, with plenty of room to continue developing in Ohio State’s strength and conditioning program. His commitment gives Laurinaitis a foundational piece in the 2027 class and allows the Buckeyes to be selective as they continue to build that linebacker room. It also follows a strong trend, as Ohio State signed three four-star linebackers in the 2026 class with Cincere Johnson, CJ Sanna and Braxton Rembert.
Cypher’s pledge also strengthens Ohio State’s growing footprint in North Carolina. If he ultimately signs, he would become the second Buckeye signee from the Tar Heel State in three recruiting cycles, following defensive tackle Trajen Odom in the 2025 class. The Buckeyes are also firmly in the mix for Cypher’s Millbrook teammate, four-star defensive end Rashad Streets, making the relationship even more valuable.
With Cypher on board, Ohio State now has eight commitments in the 2027 class and its third on defense, joining safeties Eli Johnson and Angelo Smith. For Buckeye fans, this commitment is another clear sign that Laurinaitis is building something special—and that Ohio State’s future at linebacker remains in excellent hands.
