Buckeyes pick up early commitment from 2025 safety Jontae Gilbert
COLUMBUS — Ohio State picked up its first commitment in the 2025 cycle Friday night: Jontae Gilbert has committed to Ohio State.
The 6-foot, 161-pound Douglass (Atlanta, Georgia) safety becomes the first prospect to make a pledge to coach Ryan Day and defensive backs coaches Perry Eliano and Tim Walton for the 2025 class.
While an early commitment isn’t unusual, Ohio State typically earns commitments for far-out classes through in-state prospects and those familiar with the program. Gilbert camped with the Buckeyes on June 9 and picked up his offer from Ohio State a month prior on May 9.
A quick glance at his film tape will show why the ever-growing safety earned the offer and made the early decision to commit. As a freshman last fall, Gilbert had an impressive ability to fill the run lanes as the lone high safety in Douglass’ defensive scheme.
Jontae Gilbert in the passing game only has room to improve as well, but the early showings are very promising for Ohio State. He has an instinctual ability on reading the opposing quarterbacks’ eyes and makes the right cuts on routes for interceptions and pass breakups.
The Peach State native has four offers from Power 5 schools including Arkansas, Pitt and his hometown school Georgia Tech.
Ohio State has already extended 30 offers to 2025 prospects with nine of them sent to Georgia prospects. Some front runners to watch in the class include quarterback Ryan Montgomery, the younger brother of four-star 2023 offensive line commit Luke Montgomery, quarterback Colin Hurley, running back Bo Jackson, running back Harlem Berry and linebacker Jadon Perlotte.
The Buckeyes remain in pursuit of top safety options as well for its 2023 and 2024 classes. Ohio State has two commits to its 2023 class in four-star Malik Hartford and four-star Cedrick Hawkins. The Buckeyes are still on the trail for four-star Jayden Bonsu.
The 2025 cycle still might be in the distance, but Jontae Gilbert gave a reason for the Buckeyes to look toward the future.
He’s committed to Ohio State.
