On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: Ohio State trending for LB Payton Pierce
Lucas (Texas) Lovejoy four-star linebacker Payton Pierce has been one of Ohio State’s top priorities at the linebacker position since they offered him back in January.
At the time, Notre Dame was considered the leader to ultimately land his signature, but a few things changed. Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who had previously recruited Pierce at Oklahoma State, became more of a factor on his recruitment.
And the Buckeyes also poached linebackers coach and former Ohio State star James Laurinitis, who was Pierce’s lead recruiter, away from Notre Dame’s staff.
That’s when things really started shifting in Ohio State’s favor, and now the Buckeyes are considered the significant favorites to land him, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM).
After expert picks in their favor from On3 national recruiting insider Josh Newberg and Notre Dame insider Mike Singer, Ohio State holds an 82.0 percent chance of securing Pierce’s commitment.
Pierce was at Ohio State last month for a visit
Once he received an offer from Knowles in January, Pierce’s interest in the Buckeyes skyrocketed. He immediately locked in an unofficial visit, which took place the weekend of March 24. That trip made a major impression on him.
“There were a lot of things that stood out,” he told Lettermen Row. “I mean, everything was elite, every aspect of it. From the players, the coaches, the environment, practice, it was top notch from every aspect.”
The connection he has with Knowles — and especially with Laurinitis — is one of the strongest he has with any coaching staff that’s recruiting him.
“They started recruiting me after (Knowles) watched my wrestling match,” Pierce told On3’s Sam Spiegelman in Februrary. “I know Coach Knowles from Oklahoma State and a lot of the guys he coached on the defensive side of the ball there.”
… It was ironic because they hired Coach Laurinaitis from Notre Dame, that was one of the strongest relationships I’ve had with a position coach. Heading up to Ohio State worked out really well. They offered and he moved over, and it’s definitely a place I’m heavily considering even without visiting yet. It’s Ohio State, it’s the biggest stage and in front of the most eyes. It’s an opportunity worth considering and I’m excited to see Columbus and see the Horseshoe.”
Pierce is the No. 201 overall prospect in the 2024 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He ranks as the nation’s No. 21 linebacker and the No. 37 recruit in the state of Texas.