“Iron Buckeye to Impact Player: James Laurinaitis Believes Payton Pierce Is Ready to Start at Linebacker for Ohio State”
Fresh off earning Iron Buckeye honors, Payton Pierce is quickly shedding the label of a freshman project and emerging as a legitimate contributor for one of college football’s premier defenses. At a program like Ohio State, where expectations are sky-high and depth at every position is loaded with four- and five-star talent, it takes more than just potential to climb the depth chart. It takes grit, toughness, and a relentless work ethic—qualities Pierce has showcased since the day he arrived in Columbus. Now, linebackers coach and Buckeye legend James Laurinaitis sees more than just a promising freshman—he sees a starter in the making.
Pierce’s journey to this point began long before he donned the scarlet and gray. Hailing from Lovejoy, Texas, Pierce was a standout at Lovejoy High School where his physicality and instincts on the field drew national attention. A consensus four-star recruit, Pierce chose Ohio State over a slew of top-tier programs, citing the tradition, coaching, and competitive culture as major factors. That culture, as he would soon learn, demanded not only excellence on Saturdays but an unrelenting commitment every other day of the week. From the outset, Pierce embraced the grind, and his efforts have not gone unnoticed.
The Iron Buckeye honor he earned this offseason is not handed out lightly. It is awarded to players who demonstrate exceptional performance in the strength and conditioning program, showing elite levels of toughness, leadership, and accountability. For a true freshman to earn that title in his first offseason with the program is rare—and speaks volumes about his dedication and preparation. Strength coach Mickey Marotti, known for molding some of the toughest players to come through Columbus, reportedly praised Pierce’s “mental fortitude and consistency,” two traits that carry significant weight in a program defined by competitive excellence.
James Laurinaitis, a former All-American linebacker and current linebackers coach, has been vocal about his high regard for Pierce. Laurinaitis knows a thing or two about elite linebacker play, and his assessment of Pierce is not simply coach speak. In multiple interviews, Laurinaitis has described Pierce as “instinctive, physical, and incredibly mature for his age.” He also emphasized that Pierce is not just developing for the future—he is preparing to contribute immediately. With several veterans returning and young talent pushing from behind, the linebacker room is as competitive as ever. But Laurinaitis sees Pierce as a player who not only belongs but could very well thrive in a starting role.
What makes Pierce such an intriguing fit in the Buckeyes’ defensive scheme is his versatility. At 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, he possesses the size to take on blocks and fill gaps in the run game, but also the speed and awareness to drop into coverage or blitz effectively. He’s a true three-down linebacker—something every defensive coordinator covets. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who is entering his third season leading the Buckeye defense, has steadily refined his system around players who can process the game quickly and make decisive plays. That’s precisely where Pierce shines. Known in high school for his football IQ and film study habits, Pierce has seamlessly adapted to the complexity of Ohio State’s defensive playbook, which often features multiple looks and hybrid responsibilities for linebackers.
In practice, Pierce has reportedly stood out for his physicality and attention to detail. Teammates have spoken about his ability to diagnose plays early and his willingness to stick his nose into the action—traits reminiscent of former Buckeye greats at the position. Coaches rave about his ability to take coaching and apply it instantly. In scrimmages and live drills, he hasn’t shied away from the moment, routinely showing up around the ball and making sure his presence is felt. It’s become clear that he’s not just surviving in practice—he’s pushing those ahead of him and making a case for significant playing time this fall.
Part of Pierce’s rapid rise can be attributed to the mentorship he’s received from veterans in the room. Players like Cody Simon, Tommy Eichenberg in previous seasons, and C.J. Hicks have helped set the tone and model the kind of preparation required to succeed at this level. But Pierce hasn’t just watched—he’s internalized those lessons and added his own edge to them. Laurinaitis has noted that Pierce often leads by example, and though he may not yet be the most vocal player in the room, his intensity and commitment speak volumes. In a program that prides itself on internal competition, Pierce is raising the bar for everyone else.
The linebacker spot at Ohio State has always been one of legacy and expectation. From Chris Spielman to Andy Katzenmoyer to A.J. Hawk to James Laurinaitis himself, the Buckeyes have produced some of the game’s most iconic second-level defenders. It’s clear that Laurinaitis sees in Pierce the potential to join that elite lineage—not in some distant future, but perhaps as early as this season. And while starting as a freshman linebacker at a national title contender is no small feat, Pierce’s trajectory makes the possibility very real.
The buzz surrounding his development is also rippling through the fanbase. Buckeye Nation, always eager to anoint the next great star, has taken note of the consistent praise coming from coaches and insiders. During open practices and spring game action, Pierce turned heads with his performance, drawing comparisons to former greats in both playing style and attitude. Social media clips of his bone-jarring hits and sideline-to-sideline pursuit have only added fuel to the hype train.
While it remains to be seen how the rotation will shake out come Week 1, all signs point to Pierce playing a meaningful role early in the season. Whether he’s officially listed as a starter or not may ultimately be irrelevant—what matters is that the coaching staff trusts him enough to put him on the field in critical situations. And with the level of competition Ohio State is set to face this year, every snap will carry weight. From the Big Ten gauntlet to potential College Football Playoff implications, having a player like Pierce who can rise to the occasion could prove to be a difference-maker.
Off the field, Pierce has also endeared himself to the program through his humility and work ethic. He’s not chasing headlines or individual accolades. His focus, by all accounts, is on doing whatever is needed to help the team win. That mindset aligns perfectly with the culture Ryan Day and the Ohio State staff have cultivated—one centered around accountability, toughness, and brotherhood. Laurinaitis has spoken about how refreshing it is to coach a player so grounded, yet so driven to improve every day. In many ways, Pierce is the embodiment of the “Iron Buckeye” ethos—tough, reliable, and relentless in his pursuit of greatness.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Buckeyes are once again poised to contend for both a Big Ten title and a spot in the College Football Playoff. With key pieces returning on offense and defense, the margins for improvement lie in areas like linebacker play—where youth and energy could inject new life into an already formidable unit. Payton Pierce is not just knocking on the door—he’s pushing it open with force. Laurinaitis sees it. His teammates see it. And increasingly, fans and analysts across the country are beginning to see it, too.
In the ultra-competitive world of college football, especially at a blueblood like Ohio State, freshmen don’t get handed opportunities—they earn them. Pierce has done that and more. And if early indicators are any sign of what’s to come, the Buckeyes may have found their next great linebacker—not in a future recruiting class, but right here, right now. The Iron Buckeye has arrived, and he’s ready to make an impact.
