North Carolina 2026 Defensive End Keysaun Eleazer Eager for June 13 Ohio State Official Visit, Connects Often With Larry Johnson

Keysaun Eleazer is only a rising senior, but the 2026 defensive end from North Carolina is already making noise on the national recruiting trail. With scholarship offers pouring in from some of college football’s biggest names, Eleazer is standing out not just for his physical tools, but also for his maturity, work ethic, and vision for his future. And while he’s far from making a final decision, one upcoming date on his calendar has already taken on special significance: June 13, when he takes his official visit to Ohio State.

Standing at 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, Eleazer has become one of the most sought-after edge rushers in the 2026 class. The young standout brings a rare blend of size, speed, and explosiveness that college coaches across the country covet. Already the anchor of his high school defensive front, Eleazer has racked up eye-popping stats, but even more impressive is the way he affects every game. Double-teams don’t faze him. His motor runs hot from kickoff to the final whistle. And his ceiling remains sky-high as he continues to refine his technique and broaden his football IQ.

Eleazer’s growing relationship with Ohio State — and defensive line coach Larry Johnson — could be a key factor in shaping his recruitment over the next several months. “I’m really looking forward to getting out there,” Eleazer said when asked about the visit to Columbus. “I’ve been talking to Coach Johnson a lot, and every conversation just makes me more excited about the program.”

It’s easy to understand why the Buckeyes have left such a strong impression. Under Johnson, Ohio State has developed a sterling reputation as a launching pad for elite defensive linemen. From Chase Young to Nick and Joey Bosa, Johnson’s track record speaks for itself. His attention to detail, consistent player development, and ability to maximize talent have made him one of the most respected position coaches in the nation. For someone like Eleazer — who has NFL aspirations and isn’t shy about his desire to be great — that kind of pedigree carries serious weight.

“What stands out with Coach Johnson is how much knowledge he has,” Eleazer said. “Every time I talk to him, I learn something new. He breaks things down in a way that just makes sense, and he sees things in my game that I don’t always notice myself. That’s the kind of coach I want to play for.”

For Ohio State, the feeling appears mutual. Eleazer is a top priority for the Buckeyes’ 2026 class, and their consistent contact with him reflects that. Recruiting battles at the highest level are never easy, but the Buckeyes are putting themselves in a strong position. Eleazer has been on campus before, but the official visit in June will allow him to dive deeper into the program, the coaching staff, and the broader culture surrounding Ohio State football.

“I’ve seen the stadium, I’ve seen the facilities, and I’ve met a few of the coaches,” he said. “But this visit will be about getting a better feel for how I’d fit in. I want to see how the players interact, how they’re coached, what the day-to-day is like. I want to picture myself in that environment.”

That mindset reflects the thoughtful approach Eleazer has taken throughout his recruitment. He’s not rushing into a commitment, and he’s making sure to weigh every option carefully. Still, Ohio State has made it clear that he’s a cornerstone-caliber player — and Eleazer has taken notice. The Buckeyes’ aggressive pursuit, led by Johnson, continues to be a strong draw.

“He’s definitely one of the main reasons I’m so interested in Ohio State,” Eleazer said of Johnson. “The relationship we’ve built — it’s real. He believes in me, and I can tell he’d push me to be my best. That matters to me.”

The Buckeyes’ success on the defensive front over the past decade only reinforces that belief. Whether it’s elite pass rushers or versatile linemen who can shift inside, Ohio State has consistently turned prospects into All-Americans and high-round NFL draft picks. For a young player with the physical tools and mental drive of Eleazer, it’s not hard to see why that development pipeline is so attractive.

Eleazer’s recruitment, however, isn’t limited to just Ohio State. He holds offers from other top-tier programs including Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, Penn State, Tennessee, and Clemson. He’s been active in the camp circuit, sharpening his skills while also getting a feel for how different coaching staffs interact with players. But even with so much attention, he remains grounded — something he credits to his support system at home.

“My parents and my coaches have kept me focused,” Eleazer said. “They remind me it’s about more than just football — it’s about education, it’s about growing as a man, and it’s about making a choice that’s going to help me 10 years down the line, not just for the next four.”

That maturity stands out to recruiters. While Eleazer’s highlight reels are filled with thunderous sacks and tackles for loss, his approach off the field might be even more impressive. He’s deliberate in how he studies film, asks questions during meetings, and interacts with teammates. It’s no surprise that programs like Ohio State see him as a potential leader in their locker room, not just a pass-rushing terror off the edge.

June 13 won’t be the last visit Eleazer takes, but it could be the most important. The Buckeyes are hoping to make a lasting impression — not just with facilities and hype videos, but with authenticity and connection. That’s what Johnson is known for, and it’s what Eleazer seems to value most.

“I’ve been watching Ohio State for a long time,” Eleazer admitted. “When you see the kind of talent they develop and the way they play defense, you can’t help but be impressed. But for me, it’s about the people. It’s about the coaching staff, the players, the energy around the program. That’s what I’m hoping to experience when I go up there.”

With over a year still to go before he signs a National Letter of Intent, Eleazer knows the path ahead will be filled with decisions and challenges. But he’s embracing it — not just as a football journey, but as a life journey. He’s putting in the work in the weight room and on the field. He’s keeping his grades up in the classroom. And he’s staying humble, even as his name climbs up the national recruiting rankings.

For now, all eyes turn to Columbus. Ohio State will host Eleazer in the heart of June, hoping to solidify their position near the top of his list. It’s a visit that has the potential to shift the momentum of his recruitment — and the Buckeyes know it. For Eleazer, it’s a chance to imagine what life could look like wearing the scarlet and gray.

“I’m just excited to get out there and take it all in,” Eleazer said. “I’ve had great talks with Coach Johnson, and now I want to see everything up close. It’s one thing to hear about it — it’s another thing to feel it for yourself.”

As the summer unfolds and official visits come and go, Eleazer’s process will continue to take shape. He may not have a commitment timeline yet, but his visit to Ohio State will be a major milestone along the way. The Buckeyes are all-in — and they’re betting that their legacy, their coaching, and their culture will resonate with one of the top defensive talents in the 2026 class.

If that happens, June 13 could be the day everything starts to fall into place.