Buckeyes Land Commitment From 4-Star Defensive End Joshua Mickens

Ohio State has landed a commitment from 4-star Indianapolis defensive end Joshua Mickens.

Mickens, who attends Lawrence Central High School, was previously committed to LSU, but decommitted November 28 following his official visit to Ohio State for the Michigan game.

Ranked the No. 131 player overall and the No. 20 edge rusher in the 2023 class, Mickens chose the Buckeyes over offers from LSU, North Carolina, Florida State, Michigan, Tennessee, USC, and others.

Ohio State seemingly got involved late in the recruiting process. Mickens committed to LSU back in July, but the Buckeyes didn’t offer until November 9. A little over two weeks later, he was on an official visit to Columbus and then decommitted from the Tigers shortly thereafter.

Mickens is a multi-sport athlete who has participated in both basketball and track. He was a double-figure scorer on the court as both a sophomore and junior.

Mickens is the second defensive end from Indiana to commit to Ohio State in the past two cycles, joining now-freshman Caden Curry who played in every game this season. Curry saw time on defense in eight of those contests.

The Buckeyes now have four defensive linemen committed in the 2023 class. Mickens is the first true defensive end, however. He joins defensive lineman Jason Moore, who is the No. 65 player overall; defensive tackle Will Smith, Jr., who is the No. 261 player overall; and defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, who is the No. 278 player overall.

Ohio State is still waiting word on five-star defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei.

The Buckeyes now have 21 commitments in the 2023 recruiting class.

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