Ohio State Buckeyes Flip 3-Star Defensive Tackle Jamir ‘JJ’ Perez From Florida To Strengthen Their 2025 Recruiting Class

The fireworks haven’t stopped in Columbus—and this time, they’ve exploded in the form of a massive recruiting flip that has Ohio State fans buzzing across the nation. On the heels of building one of the most aggressive and talent-packed classes in the country, the Buckeyes have pulled off another major coup by flipping 3-star defensive tackle Jamir “JJ” Perez from the Florida Gators.

The news comes as Ohio State continues to flex its national recruiting muscle under head coach Ryan Day, especially when it comes to securing top talent in the defensive trenches. Perez, a 6-foot-3, 290-pound wrecking ball from Cleveland Glenville High School, had been committed to Florida since March, but that pledge was always under close surveillance by the Buckeyes’ staff.

On the Fourth of July weekend, when recruiting fireworks tend to light up the national scene, Ohio State ignited one of their own by flipping the prized defensive tackle. This marks yet another big win for Day and defensive line coach Larry Johnson, reinforcing the Buckeyes’ commitment to dominating both sides of the ball, particularly in the ultra-competitive Big Ten trenches.

For Ohio State fans, it’s not just the flip itself but the significance of the player and his background that makes this news even sweeter. Perez is a Cleveland native and a proud product of the legendary Glenville pipeline—a high school known for sending elite prospects to the college ranks, with a long-standing history tied directly to the Buckeyes. From Ted Ginn Jr. to Marshon Lattimore and most recently Bryce West, Glenville has been a steady talent supplier to Ohio State football.

When Perez initially committed to Florida, many viewed it as a surprising blow to Ohio State’s in-state dominance, especially considering Glenville’s history. But the Buckeyes never stopped pushing. Behind the scenes, Larry Johnson—the veteran defensive line guru whose reputation for developing NFL-ready linemen is unmatched—kept the relationship alive with Perez, selling him on the opportunity to stay home, compete for championships, and develop into the next great Buckeye defensive force.

The result? A successful flip that sends shockwaves through the recruiting world, especially as Ohio State continues to chase a Top 3 finish in the national class rankings for 2025.

Perez may carry a 3-star rating for now, but don’t let the stars fool you. His on-field production and raw potential have caught the attention of scouts across the country. At 6-foot-3 and nearly 300 pounds, Perez possesses the ideal frame for a disruptive interior defensive lineman. His combination of power, quickness off the snap, and relentless motor makes him a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen.

In his junior season at Glenville, Perez racked up 47 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks while routinely commanding double teams. His film shows an explosive first step, an ability to penetrate gaps, and the versatility to play multiple spots along the defensive front. Those traits have made him a coveted target, especially for Big Ten programs where trench warfare often determines championship success.

Ohio State’s need for interior defensive line reinforcements in the 2025 class has been well-documented. With standout veterans like Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton expected to take their talents to the NFL in the near future, replenishing the defensive tackle room has been a priority. Landing Perez addresses that need and helps ensure the Buckeyes maintain their physical edge at the line of scrimmage.

Moreover, the timing of Perez’s flip couldn’t be better for Ohio State. With the Buckeyes currently in the midst of a heated recruiting battle with Michigan, Georgia, and Alabama for the top spot nationally, every addition counts—and flipping an in-state prospect away from an SEC rival adds a layer of bragging rights to the accomplishment.

For Florida, the loss of Perez stings, particularly as head coach Billy Napier looks to rebuild the Gators’ defensive front to compete in the grueling SEC. Perez was seen as a foundational piece of Florida’s class, but despite the early commitment, the pull of home—and the allure of Buckeye football—proved too strong to resist.

Perez’s flip also underscores the powerful recruiting operation Ohio State has constructed under Ryan Day. Since taking the reins in Columbus, Day has built a program capable of recruiting coast-to-coast while also protecting Ohio’s borders from outside poachers. The Glenville-to-Ohio State pipeline had briefly appeared vulnerable, but with Perez now officially in the fold, that pipeline remains intact and thriving.

In his commitment statement, Perez emphasized both family ties and football development as key factors in his decision to flip. “It was always about staying home and playing for my city, for my family, and for the tradition of Glenville and Ohio State,” Perez said. “Coach Day and Coach Johnson never gave up on me, and after thinking long and hard, I know the best place for me to become a great player—and a great man—is right here in Columbus.”

The addition of Perez also further strengthens what is shaping up to be one of Ohio State’s most complete and balanced classes in recent memory. Already loaded with blue-chip talent at quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive back, the 2025 class now boasts a rising defensive tackle prospect who fits the Buckeyes’ mold of physical, athletic interior disruptors.

For Coach Larry Johnson, who has developed the likes of Chase Young, Nick Bosa, and Tommy Togiai into elite college and NFL players, Perez represents another canvas on which to work his defensive line magic. Johnson’s ability to identify and elevate talent, regardless of star rankings, is well-established—and there’s a growing belief within the Ohio State camp that Perez could significantly outplay his current 3-star status by the time he arrives on campus.

In fact, don’t be surprised if Perez’s recruiting ranking gets a boost in the coming months. His performances at national camps, combined with a strong senior season at Glenville, could easily elevate him to 4-star status, especially with the increased spotlight that comes with being part of Ohio State’s class.

With Perez officially on board, Ohio State’s recruiting momentum shows no signs of slowing down. The Buckeyes continue to target elite defensive linemen to round out the class, with several 4-star and 5-star prospects still in play. But beyond individual names, the Perez flip sends a clear message: Ohio State is not only maintaining its homegrown dominance but is also willing to battle—and win—against SEC heavyweights like Florida for key targets.

Looking ahead, Perez’s commitment strengthens Ohio State’s defensive line depth chart and reinforces their long-term plans to remain a national contender. It also keeps the Glenville tradition alive, reminding fans that some of the best talent in America still comes from within Ohio’s borders—and when it does, Ryan Day and company are determined to keep it in Columbus.

For Buckeye Nation, it’s another reason to celebrate—and another signal that this program is locked in on building both for the present and the future.

With the 2025 recruiting class climbing the national ranks and top prospects continuing to buy into the vision, the Buckeyes’ path to championship contention remains clear. And thanks to Jamir “JJ” Perez, the trenches just got a little stronger—and a lot more Ohio tough.