DEAL CONFIRMED: Five-Star Defensive End Decommit From State Bengals, And Flips Commitment To Ohio State Over Boise State And Georgia Tech

George took a trip to OSU on Friday and bonded with Johnson and relished the opportunity to play for the Buckeyes. He’s the third transfer portal commitment for OSU this winter and the second to commit to OSU on Monday, along with running back CJ Donaldson. Former Minnesota offensive lineman Phillip Daniels committed to the Buckeyes on Wednesday.

George picked up his offer from OSU exactly a week ago, and didn’t waste any time in deciding he wanted to suit up for the scarlet and gray.

Other schools that offered George out of the portal included Wisconsin, Mizzou, Utah, Texas A&M, Boise State, Oklahoma, Virginia, Georgia Tech and Iowa State. The 6-foot-5, 259-pound George has two seasons of eligibility remaining.

He’ll have ample opportunity for playing time next season, as OSU is set to lose Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau to graduation. He’ll fight for a starting spot alongside Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson Jr.

In 12 starts for Idaho State this season, George recorded 57 total tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. Per Pro Football Focus’ grades, George recorded an overall grade of 73 for the 2024 season (an above-average grade) and was graded 71.5 in run defense and 73.4 in pass rush. He played 648 total defensive snaps.

Five-Star Defensive End Decommits from State Bengals, Flips Commitment to Ohio State Over Boise State and Georgia Tech

In a stunning turn of events, one of the nation’s top high school football prospects, a five-star defensive end, has decommitted from the State Bengals and flipped his commitment to Ohio State University.

This major recruiting development sent shockwaves through the college football world, as the young star had long been considered a lock for the Bengals’ program.

However, after weeks of rumors, speculation, and visits, the defensive standout chose to take his talents to Ohio State, rejecting offers from a slew of other programs, including Boise State, Georgia Tech, and a host of top-tier schools.

The Decommitment: A Shock to the Bengals

The five-star defensive end, whose talent had been highly touted since his sophomore year, initially committed to the State Bengals earlier this year.

The commitment was widely seen as a significant victory for the Bengals, who had been working hard to build a competitive program and recruit top-tier defensive talent.

The defensive end, known for his explosive speed, relentless pass-rushing ability, and overall versatility, had drawn interest from nearly every major program in the country.

However, over the past few months, whispers began to circulate that his commitment to the Bengals wasn’t as firm as originally thought.

Despite the Bengals’ efforts to keep him in the fold, the star recruit continued to explore other options, taking visits to several other schools.

It became clear that the allure of joining a national powerhouse was weighing on his decision, and the program that had once seemed like a lock to land him would soon lose its grip.

After a critical visit to Ohio State, where he was able to connect with coaching staff, former players, and see the program’s facilities firsthand, the defensive end officially made the decision to decommit from the State Bengals.

The move, which took many fans and analysts by surprise, set off a chain reaction in the college football recruiting world.

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Ohio State: The New Home

The Buckeyes quickly emerged as the front-runners to secure his signature, thanks to their elite football program, long-standing success, and reputation for developing NFL-caliber defensive players.

Ohio State has been one of the top programs in the nation for years, regularly competing for Big Ten titles and national championships.

With an established history of sending defensive players to the next level, it’s no wonder that the five-star defensive end was drawn to the Buckeyes’ pitch.

Ohio State’s coaching staff, led by head coach Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, emphasized the program’s commitment to player development

. The school’s track record of producing first-round NFL draft picks, particularly along the defensive line, played a pivotal role in his decision.

The defensive end was also excited by the opportunity to join a defense that is regularly ranked among the best in college football and to compete for national championships from the moment he steps on campus.

“This is a place where I can come in and make an immediate impact, and I truly believe Ohio State will help me develop into the player I want to become,” the recruit said during his commitment announcement. “I’m looking forward to joining a winning culture and competing for championships.”

Boise State and Georgia Tech: Strong Contenders

While Ohio State ultimately won out in the recruiting battle, the defensive end was also strongly considering two other programs: Boise State and Georgia Tech.

Both schools had made a serious push for his commitment, with Boise State offering a unique opportunity to play early and Georgia Tech providing a program on the rise with a strong academic reputation.

Boise State, known for its ability to find diamonds in the rough and develop players into stars, put together an aggressive pitch that focused on the school’s history of success and its ability to showcase defensive talent. Similarly, Georgia Tech, with its recent resurgence in the ACC, presented an opportunity to play in a competitive conference while contributing to a program that’s looking to make noise on a national level.

However, the pull of competing for national titles and joining a defense with a legacy of sending players to the NFL ultimately proved too strong for these programs to overcome.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future

With the decision now behind him, all eyes are on the five-star defensive end as he prepares for his senior season. As one of the most sought-after prospects in the country, his final high school campaign will be closely watched by scouts, coaches, and fans alike.

While his commitment to Ohio State signals the beginning of an exciting new chapter, it also adds to the growing sense of optimism around the Buckeyes’ future defensive units.

Ohio State’s defensive line, already stocked with elite talent, will soon be bolstered by the addition of one of the nation’s top recruits.

As the Buckeyes look to remain at the forefront of college football, securing commitments from players like this defensive end is crucial in maintaining their dominance.

For the defensive end, the hard work is just beginning. But with Ohio State’s resources, coaching staff, and competitive environment, he is poised to become one of the most impactful players in college football in the coming years.

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