Ohio State lands class of 2025 Ohio linebacker Eli Lee

Ohio State’s big recruiting weekend is already paying dividends. The Buckeyes landed a commitment from class of 2025 Akron (Ohio) Hoban linebacker Eli Lee on Wednesday evening, becoming the Buckeyes’ fourth commitment in the 2025 recruiting class.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” Lee told BuckeyeHuddle.com on his commitment. “I knew I wanted to play for Coach Knowles and Coach Laurinaitis so there was no need to hold off anymore. Now I can start helping bring in the best 2025 class possible.”

Lee was one of many top targets on hand for Ohio State’s 20-12 win over Penn State on Saturday and less than a week later, Lee is in the fold for the Buckeyes. The visit over the weekend was obviously a homerun.

“I thought it was an amazing atmosphere,” Lee said. “The defense was dominant and the linebackers were great. It was great catching up with Coach Knowles and Coach Laurinaitis. I met Andy Katzenmoyer before the game which was awesome.”

Lee joins a 2025 Ohio State class that is already generating some buzz with prior commitments from four-star prospects Tavien St. Clair, Blake Woodby, and Jayvan Boggs.

The relationships with the coaches have been a driving factor in Lee’s recruitment. He camped with Ohio State over the summer and visited again in July, before making multiple game visits this fall and earning his offer in early October.

“I think the relationship between Coach Knowles, Coach Laurinaitis and I has grown very strong the last few months,” he explained. “Coach Knowles asks about my season and says he needs me to do what I’m doing now for him in Columbus in a few years. Coach Laurinaitis says I remind him of himself a lot and Tommy Eichenburg which is an incredible honor. The fact that both of them like my style of play and are excited to have the chance to coach me is amazing.”

Stay tuned to BuckeyeHuddle.com for more on Lee’s commitment and more from the big recruiting weekend.