Eric Boggs
Ohio State’s recruiting momentum continues to surge, and this time it extends deep into the future. The Buckeyes landed their second commitment in the 2028 recruiting class as in-state five-star defensive lineman Jameer Whyce announced his decision to stay home and play for Ohio State. The Trotwood-Madison High School standout from Dayton is ranked as the No. 33 overall prospect and the No. 5 defensive lineman nationally in his class, as well as the No. 2 player in Ohio according to the 247Sports Composite.
At 6-foot-4 and 270 pounds, Whyce already looks the part of a future Big Ten star. Known by his nickname “Juice,” he burst onto the scene as a freshman at Trotwood-Madison, disrupting backfields with his blend of quickness, strength, and instincts. His long frame and explosive first step make him a natural fit at defensive tackle, and with more than two years of high school football remaining, his ceiling remains sky-high.
Ohio State beat out nearly 20 other programs for Whyce’s commitment, including offers from Miami, Maryland, Illinois, Louisville, Missouri, N.C. State, Purdue, and West Virginia. The Buckeyes’ early pursuit and relationship-building clearly made an impact, allowing defensive line coach Larry Johnson to secure another cornerstone prospect for the future. Getting a player of Whyce’s caliber this early in the process sends a message that Ohio State continues to dominate in-state recruiting while identifying elite talent before the rest of the country catches on.
For the Buckeyes, Whyce’s commitment is not just about adding another elite name — it’s about sustaining a culture of excellence on the defensive front. Johnson’s track record of developing stars like Chase Young, Nick Bosa, and J.T. Tuimoloau continues to resonate with top prospects across the nation, and Whyce now joins that lineage of future defensive standouts.
This marks Ohio State’s third commitment of the week, following 2026 additions from offensive tackle Landry Brede and safety Khmari Bing. Together, these pledges highlight a program firing on all cylinders across multiple recruiting classes, with the Buckeyes showing no signs of slowing down.
For Ohio State fans, Whyce’s decision represents something bigger than just another five-star addition. It’s a statement that the Buckeyes are continuing to lock down Ohio’s best talent — proving once again that the top prospects in the state want to wear scarlet and gray.
