4-star DL London Merritt commits to Ohio State Buckeyes
Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy four-star defensive lineman London Merritt has committed to Ohio State.
The Atlanta native chose the Buckeyes over the likes of Alabama, Clemson, Florida and North Carolina.
Merritt is the No. 159 overall prospect and No. 13 defensive lineman in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 20 player in Florida.
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Merritt made multiple trips to Columbus in 2023 and also set a June official visit with the Buckeyes. Buckeyes DL coach Larry Johnson has landed another touted prospect as OSU continues to build on its No. 2 recruiting class in the nation.
“I wanted to choose a program that mirrors my hunger and pursuit for greatness and Ohio State is the perfect place for me,” Merritt told On3’s Hayes Fawcett.
Merritt has long been a target pursued by Ohio State and defensive line coach Larry Johnson. He’s been to campus four times now including this weekend and will make his official visit in June. Merritt spoke with On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons before a slate of spring visits and spoke highly about the Buckeyes.
The Buckeyes have been recruiting him for two years and “going hard” since they extended an offer on Jan. 27, 2023. Merritt has built a strong connection with head coach Ryan Day as Johnson, who is a key reason for his interest in the Big Ten program.
“He wants me to be great as a person,” Merritt told On3. “He wants me to be a great man, and he wants to help me build great character.
“At the end of the day, he wants me to be the best player, best person and best man I can be.”
Merritt adds to one of nation’s best recruiting classes
Early in the 2025 cycle, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and his staff have gotten busy. Of OSU’s eight commitments, six are on that side of the ball and three are in the secondary. Ohio State holds commitments from the nation’s top two cornerback recruits — Five-Star Plus+ CB Na’eem Offord and five-star corner Devin Sanchez. Their class also includes top-60 EDGE Zahir Mathis, top-100 cornerback Blake Woodby and in-state standout linebacker Eli Lee.
On the offensive side, OSU has already locked up its quarterback in the class with elite passer Tavien St. Clair, who ranks No. 2 nationally at the position in the On300. He’s joined by local four-star offensive tackle Carter Lowe.