BREAKING: 5-star LB commit shuts down his recruitment with Ohio State football

A highly anticipated decision by choosing the Buckeyes over Texas, Texas A&M, and USC. Ohio State secured another sought-after addition to its top-ranked recruiting class when five-star linebacker, He  committed to the team live on 247Sports. His decision to join Ohio State over Texas, Texas A&M, and USC marked another significant victory for the Buckeyes in their recruiting efforts.

Pettijohn, who is about to begin his senior year at McKinney High School in McKinney, Texas, has made a name for himself both on the football field and in track. In addition to his standout performances in football, he has demonstrated exceptional speed in track, achieving a 10.7-second 100-meter dash time during his junior year. This speed has translated effectively to the football field, where he recorded 125 tackles in 2023.

Moreover, Pettijohn comes from a family with a strong football background. His father, Duke Pettijohn, was a standout defensive lineman for Syracuse from 1997 to 2000. Riley Pettijohn is recognized as the nation’s fifth-ranked linebacker prospect by 247Sports and holds the overall ranking of the tenth best prospect from the state of Texas.

“An athletic player known for making numerous tackles and capable of adapting to various off-ball linebacker roles across different defensive schemes,” stated Gabe Brooks, a scouting analyst for 247Sports, in an assessment of Pettijohn. “Possessing a well-built physique with a strong, athletic foundation. Initially appeared to be suited for an edge position, but now clearly excels as a traditional linebacker, showcasing extensive pursuit abilities and exceptional verified athleticism that enhances his long-term potential.”

Pettijohn becomes the 23rd commitment in Ohio State’s 2025 class, with 10 of those commitments ranked within the top-100 of the Top247 Rankings. His decision helps alleviate the disappointment following the Buckeyes’ missed opportunity to secure another front-seven prospect, four-star linebacker Justin Hill, who committed to Alabama earlier in the month.