The Buckeyes Pull Off Major Fourth Of July Flip Landing Glenville Star Defensive Tackle Jamir ‘JJ’ Perez In Stunning Move

Fireworks weren’t the only thing exploding across the skies of Ohio this Fourth of July — the Ohio State Buckeyes sent shockwaves through the recruiting world with one of their biggest flips of the 2025 cycle. In a dramatic and well-timed Independence Day announcement, four-star Cleveland Glenville defensive tackle Jamir “JJ” Perez switched his commitment from Michigan State to Ohio State, sending Buckeye Nation into a frenzy.

The move is monumental for several reasons beyond just adding another elite defensive lineman to Ryan Day’s growing 2025 class. Perez, ranked as the No. 14 defensive tackle in the nation and a top-200 overall prospect per On3, represents a continuation of the Buckeyes’ tradition of keeping the top in-state talent home — particularly from the historic Glenville High School pipeline.

For years, Glenville has produced a steady stream of Buckeye legends, from Ted Ginn Jr. and Troy Smith to Marshon Lattimore. But recently, that connection had cooled slightly, leaving some Ohio State fans wondering whether the once-automatic relationship had lost its spark. With Perez now flipping to Columbus, it’s clear the Buckeyes are reestablishing that critical Glenville-to-OSU connection — and doing so in style.

Perez initially committed to Michigan State back in March, citing a strong relationship with new Spartans head coach Jonathan Smith and the opportunity to make an immediate impact in East Lansing. But Ohio State never let up. Defensive line coach Larry Johnson, a master recruiter and developer of NFL talent, kept the pressure on Perez, making it clear the Buckeyes saw him as a foundational piece for the future of their defensive front.

“I always grew up watching the Buckeyes,” Perez told On3 after his announcement. “It’s home. It just felt right. Coach Day, Coach Johnson — they never gave up on me. Even after I committed to Michigan State, they still showed me love, still believed in me, and made it clear they wanted me to be part of this program. In the end, I had to follow my heart.”

Perez’s decision wasn’t entirely unexpected among recruiting insiders, but the timing — on July 4th — adds a symbolic, patriotic flair to the flip. For Ohio State, it marks yet another strategic win in an increasingly competitive recruiting landscape, where top prospects often face intense pressure from multiple powerhouse programs.

At 6-foot-3 and 290 pounds, Perez is known for his explosive first step, violent hands, and ability to disrupt plays from the interior. He has the versatility to play multiple spots along the defensive line and is viewed as a player who could contribute early in Columbus, especially given Ohio State’s focus on building dominant defensive fronts capable of slowing down high-powered Big Ten and national offenses.

“JJ Perez brings everything you want in a young defensive tackle — strength, quickness, and that Cleveland toughness,” Johnson said in a statement. “We’ve seen what Glenville guys can do in this program. JJ understands the tradition and expectations that come with wearing scarlet and gray. He’s ready to be great.”

The flip also comes at a crucial moment in Ohio State’s recruiting campaign. With their 2025 class already sitting inside the national top five, the addition of Perez solidifies their defensive haul and sends a clear message to rivals like Michigan and Penn State: the Buckeyes are reloading for sustained dominance.

Moreover, Ohio State’s ability to keep Perez in-state and away from a Big Ten opponent underscores their ongoing success in controlling the recruiting battles within Ohio’s borders. Historically, locking down the state’s premier talent has been a formula for success in Columbus — and Perez is seen as one of the top prizes from the Buckeye State in this cycle.

Glenville head coach Ted Ginn Sr., a legendary figure in Ohio high school football, expressed pride in seeing another one of his players stay home and don the scarlet and gray.

“Ohio State is family,” Ginn Sr. told local reporters. “It’s where so many of our kids have gone to chase their dreams and become men. JJ is a special young man with big-time talent. I know he’s going to represent Glenville, Cleveland, and Ohio State the right way.”

For Perez, the decision came after weeks of reflection and behind-the-scenes conversations with family, mentors, and Ohio State coaches. While his commitment to Michigan State was genuine, the pull of playing for his home state university, in front of friends and family, and as part of a storied Glenville-Buckeyes legacy ultimately proved too strong to resist.

The Buckeyes’ 2025 recruiting class now boasts an impressive list of defensive standouts, with Perez joining five-star edge rusher Zion Ragland, four-star linebacker Elijah Curtis, and blue-chip defensive back Kamar Reed. Together, they form the backbone of a defensive group that many analysts believe could rival the best in the nation.

Recruiting experts also note that Perez’s flip could create momentum for other top in-state prospects still considering Ohio State. The psychological impact of seeing a high-profile Glenville star choose the Buckeyes resonates throughout Ohio’s high school ranks and strengthens Ohio State’s reputation as the destination for local talent with national aspirations.

While Michigan State fans may be understandably disappointed by Perez’s departure, the reality is that flips are an increasingly common aspect of modern recruiting. For Ohio State, the key was persistence, relationships, and an unwavering belief that Perez belonged in Columbus — even after his initial decision to head elsewhere.

The Fourth of July flip also comes with a touch of poetic justice for Ohio State fans, many of whom celebrated the nation’s independence while also relishing the idea of keeping one of Ohio’s top defenders home — and out of the hands of a conference rival.

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day emphasized the significance of adding Perez to the fold.

“JJ is a difference-maker — on the field and in the locker room,” Day said. “When you look at the great Buckeye defenses of the past, it starts up front with guys like JJ. We’re excited to have him as part of our family.”

Perez plans to officially visit Ohio State later this month and intends to enroll early to participate in winter workouts. His focus now shifts to finishing his senior season at Glenville, where the Tarblooders are expected to contend for another state title, with Perez anchoring a ferocious defensive front.

In the ever-evolving world of college football recruiting, commitment flips are part of the game — but few resonate quite like this one. For Buckeye Nation, July 4th will be remembered not only for fireworks but for the booming addition of Jamir “JJ” Perez, a homegrown star ready to add his name to Ohio State’s proud tradition of excellence.

With Perez in the fold, the Buckeyes’ 2025 class looks even more formidable, and their defensive future just got a whole lot brighter. The Fourth of July brought fireworks, pride, and for Ohio State fans everywhere — a major win on the recruiting trail.