No. 3 American Football Player Shocks College World By Committing To Ohio State Buckeyes Over Georgia Bulldogs And BYU Cougars

In the high-stakes world of college football recruiting, few decisions carry as much weight—or create as much buzz—as when a top-three national prospect makes his college choice. On Monday afternoon, the entire landscape of college football shifted as five-star phenom and No. 3 overall prospect, Marcus Harrison, announced his commitment to Ohio State, sending shockwaves through fanbases across the country, especially those of the Georgia Bulldogs and BYU Cougars.

The 6-foot-5, 230-pound defensive end from Los Angeles, California, had been one of the most heavily recruited players in the 2025 class. With nearly every powerhouse program in America knocking at his door, Harrison’s recruitment was followed with intense speculation for over a year. Georgia, the perennial SEC juggernaut with back-to-back national title appearances, was considered the heavy favorite. BYU, leveraging family ties and its rising profile, also made a compelling case.

Yet, when it came time to decide, Harrison stunned the recruiting world by choosing to don the scarlet and gray of the Ohio State Buckeyes—a move that speaks volumes about head coach Ryan Day’s recruiting prowess and the program’s national pull.

Standing before friends, family, and national media at a packed auditorium at Long Beach Poly High School, Harrison unzipped his jacket to reveal an Ohio State t-shirt, drawing loud applause and, for some, audible gasps.

“I want to compete at the highest level, and I believe Ohio State gives me the best opportunity to grow as a player and as a man,” Harrison declared. “Coach Day, Coach Johnson, and the whole staff have made me feel like family from day one. I’m ready to be a Buckeye.”

The ramifications of Harrison’s decision are enormous for all parties involved. For Ohio State, this commitment solidifies their defensive line as one of the most formidable units in the nation, continuing their legacy of producing elite NFL-caliber pass rushers. For Georgia, it’s a rare and stinging recruiting defeat, particularly considering their recent dominance in landing blue-chip defensive talent. BYU, though considered a longshot in the final stretch, had made considerable inroads and hoped Harrison’s West Coast roots and family ties to the program might sway his decision.

Ultimately, Harrison’s choice to head to Columbus underscores the national reach of Ohio State football. Despite being nearly 2,200 miles away from his Southern California home, the Buckeyes’ ability to recruit coast-to-coast has been a trademark of their modern success.

Harrison, ranked No. 3 nationally by 247Sports Composite, is widely considered one of the most college-ready defensive ends in recent memory. With his rare blend of size, speed, and relentless motor, scouts compare him favorably to former Buckeye greats like Chase Young and Nick Bosa. His junior season saw him record 18 sacks, 30 tackles for loss, and numerous quarterback hurries, disrupting offenses on a weekly basis.

“Marcus is that guy,” said his high school coach, Tony Gonzalez. “I’ve coached a lot of talented kids, but his work ethic, leadership, and physical gifts are on another level. Ohio State is getting an absolute game-changer.”

Interestingly, Harrison’s recruitment wasn’t always trending toward the Buckeyes. Early projections had him firmly leaning toward Georgia, particularly after multiple visits to Athens, where he developed a close bond with head coach Kirby Smart and defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann. The Bulldogs’ recent track record of sending defensive stars to the NFL, combined with their national championships, made them a logical destination.

But Ohio State’s defensive line coach, Larry Johnson, renowned for molding elite pass rushers, became a decisive factor. Johnson’s reputation, combined with Ohio State’s emphasis on player development and academic support, resonated with Harrison and his family.

“My mom always told me to go where I’ll be developed not just as a player, but as a person,” Harrison explained. “Coach Johnson is a legend, and I trust him to help me become the best version of myself—on and off the field.”

The Buckeyes’ 2025 recruiting class, already ranked among the nation’s best, now receives a significant boost with Harrison’s addition. His commitment sends a message that Ohio State remains a dominant force in attracting elite talent across the country, capable of going head-to-head with SEC heavyweights and winning.

For Georgia, while the loss of Harrison stings, the Bulldogs remain stacked with defensive talent. Still, missing out on such a high-profile recruit is a reminder of how competitive and unpredictable the recruiting trail can be, even for programs at the pinnacle of the sport.

BYU, meanwhile, has little to hang its head about. Despite falling short, their inclusion in Harrison’s final three highlights the strides made under head coach Kalani Sitake. The Cougars’ ability to seriously contend for a player of Harrison’s caliber indicates growing respect for their program.

National recruiting analysts also weighed in on Harrison’s decision, emphasizing its broader significance.

“Ohio State landing Marcus Harrison is monumental,” said ESPN’s Tom Luginbill. “Not only does it bolster their defensive front, but it proves they can continue to dip into SEC territory and the West Coast to land the nation’s best.”

For Buckeye fans, the excitement is palpable. Social media erupted moments after Harrison’s announcement, with former players, current commits, and passionate supporters welcoming him to the fold. Many already envision him terrorizing Big Ten quarterbacks in the coming years, a cornerstone for a defense with national championship aspirations.

Harrison’s impact could be felt as early as his freshman season. With several upperclassmen expected to depart for the NFL after the 2024 campaign, opportunities for playing time will be available. His advanced physical tools, combined with his high football IQ, make him a prime candidate to contribute immediately.

In today’s recruiting landscape, commitments can be fluid, with prospects occasionally reopening their recruitments or flipping before National Signing Day. However, Harrison sounded resolute in his decision, affirming his loyalty to the Buckeyes.

“I’m shutting it down,” Harrison said. “I’ve made my choice, and I’m all in with Ohio State. I believe in what they’re building, and I can’t wait to be part of it.”

As Harrison turns his focus to finishing his high school career and preparing for the next chapter, Ohio State’s coaching staff will waste no time integrating him into the Buckeye culture. He plans to enroll early, arriving on campus in January to participate in spring practices—a move that will accelerate his adjustment to the college game.

For Ohio State, the addition of Marcus Harrison represents more than just another five-star signing; it symbolizes their continued status among the nation’s elite and their unwavering commitment to championship excellence.

In a recruitment full of twists, turns, and speculation, Harrison’s decision to spurn Georgia and BYU in favor of Ohio State is a defining moment—not just for the Buckeyes, but for the entire 2025 recruiting class.

As one of the nation’s premier defensive prospects, Marcus Harrison’s journey to Columbus will be watched closely. But for now, Ohio State fans have every reason to celebrate—they just landed the kind of player who can shift the balance of power in college football.