Ohio State trending with top-100 defensive lineman London Merritt

After missing out on a number of top targets along the defensive line in the 2024 recruiting class, Ohio State is looking to change its fortunes in 2025.

Near the top of that list is four-star defensive lineman London Merritt out of Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy. Merritt is one of the most sought after prospects in the 2025 cycle, holding 45 total offers in his recruitment, including Ohio State, USC, Alabama, Georgia and more.

Right now though, it appears to be the Buckeyes setting the pace in his recruitment. After expert predictions from around the recruiting industry, Ohio State is trending in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM).

The Buckeyes hold an 80.8 percent chance of landing Merritt, who is expected to return to Columbus for a visit next month.

“I’m planning to go to Ohio State, Florida, and Alabama in March,” Merritt told WeAreSC. “And in April I’m planning on going to Texas, Texas A&M, USC and Clemson.”

After his multiple spring unofficial visits, Merritt has plans for a couple of official visits.

“I’ve also confirmed official visits to North Carolina on June 7-9 and Ohio St. on June 14-16.”

Buckeyes in front with other key targets as well

In addition to Merritt, Ohio State is trending in the On3 RPM for a handful of other top-of-the-board prospects:

4-star CB Faheem Delane
School: Olney (Md.) Good Counsel
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 26
On3 RPM: Ohio State 94.7%, Penn State 1.8%

Intel: “The buzz around Ohio State is picking up with Faheem Delane. The Buckeyes have already been in the mix, and at different times, viewed as the frontrunner. LSU has been mentioned. Oregon had him on campus recently. Alabama, Tennessee and Texas have been talked about, but the constant has been Ohio State. The connection with the staff and their defensive scheme have the Big Ten program in a good spot.” — Chad Simmons, On3 Director of Recruiting

4-star LB Tarvos Alford
School: Port Saint Lucie (Fla.) Vero Beach
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 59
On3 RPM: Ohio State 92.1%, Florida 3.4%, Miami 1.8%

Intel: “With a decision on tap in less than two months, I’ve done some digging on this one, speaking to people on the Ohio State side, the Miami side, and even the Florida side, as UF is probably running third in this race right now. After gathering all of the intel, talking to Tarvos Alford numerous times, and speaking to people well connected, I have decided to put in a Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) pick in favor of the Scarlet and Gray for the four-star prospect.” — Alex Gleitman, LettermenRow.com insider

4-star TE Nate Roberts
School: Washington (Okla.)
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 119
On3 RPM: Ohio State 74.1%, Oklahoma 21.1%

“Outside of Roberts having a great relationship with Bailey and the staff, as well as Ohio State checking the box on many of the things he is looking for, Roberts also has family in the Columbus and Wheeling, West Virginia areas, making a potential move to play for the Buckeyes an easier on for the star tight end.

… I’m not sure about the when, but after talking to a few people in the know on this one, I feel comfortable enough putting in a Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) pick for Ohio State to land Roberts.” — Alex Gleitman, LettermenRow.com insider