Skip to main content
Ohio State

Five-star offensive tackle target Felix Ojo commits to Texas Tech over Ohio State, Texas

Spencer-Holbrookby:Spencer Holbrook•07/04/25•

SpencerHolbrook

Felix Ojo by Mick Walker -- Lettermen Row --
Felix Ojo (Mick Walker/Lettermen Row)

COLUMBUS — Ohio State did everything it could to pull five-star Mansfield (Texas) Lake Ridge offensive tackle Felix Ojo out of the Lone Star State. But the draw to stay home and play for the Texas Longhorns appeared it was going to be too strong.

Ojo stunned college football, though, on Independence Day, committed to Texas Tech instead of Texas on Friday, choosing the home-state program over Ohio State, Texas, Michigan, Florida and Utah — despite it appearing to be a true two-team race between the Longhorns and Buckeyes, one that Ohio State gave Ojo a lot to think about.

“It is very possible that I could go to Ohio State,” Ojo told Rivals following his official visits during June. “Even though coach Frye left, my connection is strong with coach Day. Coach Bowen has come in and done a great job too. He is serious about his players. I like how he is blunt with things and I like how he is a player’s coach. Ohio State is a winner and it is a school I can see myself at.”

But the country’s No. 6 overall prospect, the No. 3 offensive tackle and No. 1 player in Texas just couldn’t leave home. He just didn’t go to the home-state school he was expected to choose.

Here’s what Rivals’ Steve Wiltfong said about Ojo ahead of his commitment earlier this week:

Mansfield (Texas) Lake Ridge five-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo locked in his commitment date for July 4 and Texas is looking strong for fireworks. The Burnt Orange have long been considered the favorite for the coveted in-state, point-of-attack player who has also strongly considered Ohio State among others. The Buckeyes have been the biggest challenger but the intel still favors Hook Em.

Hook Em, indeed. Or so we thought. Wiltfong placed a Recruiting Prediction Machine pick for Ojo to pick the Red Raiders on Thursday night.

Ohio State still has a good offensive line class committed in the class of 2026. The Buckeyes have four offensive linemen pledged in their current recruiting class.

That class consists of four-star Akron (Ohio) Archbishop Hoban offensive tackle Sam Greer, four-star Avon Lake (Ohio) interior offensive lineman Max Riley, three-star Phoenix (Ariz.) Mountain Pointe offensive tackle Aaron Thomas and three-star Phoenix (Ariz.) Sandra Day O’Conner offensive lineman Tucker Smith. They’re also still in the mix for other top targets along the offensive line in Tyler Bowen’s first season as the Buckeyes offensive line coach.

Ohio State is still recruiting four-star offensive tackle JB Shabazz at offensive tackle and three-star interior offensive lineman Da’Ron Parks.

But Ojo was a massive potential piece of the recruiting class, and Ohio State gave Ojo everything possible to consider. Ultimately, he’s staying home and committing to Texas Tech in a stunner.


You may also like