Eric Boggs
Life has a way of coming full circle, and for Jaystin Gwinn, his journey to Ohio State carries a legacy that spans generations. The 2025 three-star quarterback prospect has committed to the Buckeyes as a preferred walk-on, following in the footsteps of his father and paying tribute to the uncle he was named after. More than two decades after the tragic passing of Jayson Gwinn, a promising defensive end for Ohio State in the early 1990s, Jaystin is set to carve his own path in scarlet and gray.
Hailing from Westerville, Ohio, Jaystin had opportunities to play at schools like Kentucky, Akron, and Kent State on scholarship but chose instead to embrace the tradition of Ohio State football. Despite playing in just five games for Westerville Central High School in 2024, he showed glimpses of his potential, throwing for 624 yards and three touchdowns while completing 51.5% of his passes. His arrival in Columbus is more than just an athletic endeavor—it is a continuation of a family legacy deeply intertwined with Buckeye football.
His uncle, Jayson Gwinn, was an emerging force on Ohio State’s defense before his life was tragically cut short in a car accident near the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on December 12, 1993. Only 20 years old at the time, Jayson had already tied the school’s single-game tackles for loss record with five against Indiana. His impact was evident, and now, decades later, his nephew will don the same colors in his honor. Jaystin’s father, Anthony, was also a Buckeye, playing defensive back from 1993 to 1996. Now, the youngest Gwinn will have the opportunity to leave his own mark on the program.
As the Buckeyes welcome Jaystin to the team, they are also focused on continuing their dominance on the recruiting trail. Fresh off another successful season, Ohio State has assembled one of the nation’s top 2025 recruiting classes, currently ranked third in the country per 247Sports’ composite rankings. With National Signing Day looming, there is still a chance to add more talent, particularly in the pursuit of four-star edge rusher Zahir Mathis. Though Mathis was originally committed to the Buckeyes, he reopened his recruitment late in the process. However, Ohio State remains a strong contender alongside Maryland, Florida State, and UCLA for the Philadelphia native. If Mathis signs, he will become the 27th member of Ohio State’s already impressive class.
Leading the Buckeyes’ 2025 haul is five-star quarterback Tavien St. Clair, the third-ranked player in the nation, and fellow five-star cornerback Devin Sanchez. The class also boasts commitments from 19 four-star prospects, strengthening both sides of the ball. This level of recruiting excellence continues to position Ohio State as a perennial contender on the national stage, ensuring that the program remains stocked with elite talent for years to come.
With a strong foundation in place and the possibility of adding another key recruit, Ryan Day and his staff have once again proven their ability to attract top-tier talent. Whether it’s a five-star phenom or a legacy walk-on determined to honor his family’s name, Ohio State football remains a destination for those who want to compete at the highest level. And for Jaystin Gwinn, this journey is about more than just football—it’s about carrying on a legacy that began long before he ever took the field.
