Eric Boggs
fter a successful official visit over the weekend, four-star Alabama defensive end Zion Grady, class of 2025, committed to Ohio State on Monday.
Ohio State offered Grady a spot on their team in February, shortly after the 6-foot-4, 235-pound player decommitted from Alabama following Coach Nick Saban’s retirement. Grady visited Ohio State twice, once in May and again this past weekend. During his visits, he was impressed by the Buckeyes’ developmental plan for him. Ohio State faced strong competition from Auburn, Florida State, Tennessee, and Miami for Grady’s commitment, but ultimately, the Buckeyes prevailed.
During both visits, Grady was accompanied by his fellow Alabama resident and close friend, Malik Autry. Autry is a key target for Ohio State’s interior defensive line in the 2025 class, although he is currently committed to Auburn. With Grady now committed and five-star Alabama cornerback Na’eem Offord also pledged to the Buckeyes, Ohio State’s pursuit of Autry seems more manageable, though still challenging.
Grady is the third defensive end committed to Ohio State for the class of 2025, joining Zahir Mathis and London Merritt. He is the 19th overall commit. Other top defensive line targets Ohio State is pursuing include Trajen Odom, Damien Shanklin, Isaiah Gibson, Jarquez Carter, and Mariyon Dye.
According to 247Sports’ composite rankings, Grady is the No. 66 prospect and No. 6 edge prospect in the 2025 class.
Grady has shown exceptional pass-rushing abilities and can disrupt opposing offenses. In his junior season, he recorded 87 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 22 quarterback hits, 11 sacks, and an interception. As a sophomore, he made 108 tackles, 27 quarterback hits, 22 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and three blocked field goals.
Grady has a quick first step and combines power with speed, making him a tough matchup for most offensive tackles. He has played both as a standing edge rusher and in a traditional three-point stance. Grady has a variety of pass-rush moves, often leaving offensive linemen scrambling with his spin moves.
His instincts at the line of scrimmage are excellent, frequently putting him in the opposing backfield before the play develops. He has also been a significant disruptor on special teams, blocking several field goals during his high school career.
