Big Recruiting Weekend Begins With A BOOM

The Ohio State football team kicked off their highly anticipated recruiting weekend with a resounding #BOOM as London Merritt, a four-star defensive lineman, announced his commitment to the Buckeyes. Merritt, currently playing his senior season at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, brings a wealth of talent to the Ohio State defensive line. Ranked 101 overall nationally according to the 247Sports composite rankings, Merritt’s prowess on the field is undeniable.

Hailing originally from Georgia, Merritt showcased his skills during his junior season at Woodward Academy, tallying impressive stats with 31 tackles, including 4 tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hurries, and 5 sacks. His contributions played a pivotal role in leading Woodward Academy to the 6A title game. Not just limited to football, Merritt has also displayed his athleticism on the track, recording notable times of 12.48 seconds in the 100 meters and 25.93 seconds in the 200 meters during his sophomore year.

Standing at an imposing 6 feet 2.5 inches and weighing 250 pounds, Merritt’s physical stature is matched by his agility and speed. The timing of Merritt’s commitment, following comments made by defensive line coach Larry Johnson earlier in the week, adds an ironic twist to the narrative. Despite addressing questions about his age, Johnson’s recruiting prowess was on full display as he secured a commitment from the highly touted Merritt.

Merritt’s decision provides a significant boost to head coach Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, alongside defensive line coach Johnson, as they fortify their defensive end positions for the 2025 class. With the earlier commitment of Zahir Mathis from the Philadelphia area, Johnson now boasts two top-tier defensive ends in the incoming class.

The timing of Merritt’s commitment couldn’t be more opportune, coinciding with a crucial recruiting weekend for Coach Day and the Buckeyes. Merritt joins a cohort of nationally ranked recruits visiting Columbus, further solidifying Ohio State’s position as a destination for top-tier talent.

Here is a list of 2025 recruits who planned on visiting Ohio State this weekend according to Eleven Warriors: