“Staff Shakeup: Ohio State’s Sam Petitto Departs for LSU, Takes Over as Director of Scouting and Personnel Strategy”

In a notable shift within the college football recruiting world, Ohio State’s assistant athletic director of player personnel, Sam Petitto, is officially leaving the Buckeyes to join LSU as the Tigers’ new director of scouting and personnel strategy. This move not only reshapes the internal structure of both elite programs but also reflects the growing emphasis on strategic talent acquisition and program development in today’s ultra-competitive college football landscape. Petitto’s decision to trade Columbus for Baton Rouge signals a strategic play for LSU as they continue to bolster their recruiting infrastructure under the leadership of head coach Brian Kelly. It also presents an intriguing challenge for Ohio State, which must now fill a crucial role in its recruiting hierarchy just weeks before the 2025 recruiting cycle heats up.

Petitto had become a trusted and well-respected figure within Ohio State’s recruiting machine, playing an integral role in the Buckeyes’ ability to consistently field top-tier recruiting classes during his time in Columbus. Known for his deep network of contacts across high school football, his keen eye for evaluating under-the-radar talent, and his ability to forge strong relationships with recruits and their families, Petitto’s influence was felt across multiple recruiting cycles. His background also includes a long history in the Southeastern region, and his ties to Louisiana and the Gulf Coast are expected to serve LSU especially well as they continue to recruit heavily in their own backyard and across the South.

For LSU, the hiring of Petitto comes at a critical juncture in their program’s evolution. Since Brian Kelly took over as head coach in 2022, the Tigers have been aggressive in overhauling their recruiting operations, bringing in experienced professionals who understand how to compete with the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and other SEC juggernauts. Petitto’s arrival is expected to further streamline LSU’s scouting and evaluation efforts while giving them an edge when it comes to assembling elite talent that fits their long-term strategic vision. His role will be multifaceted, encompassing everything from prospect identification and analysis to in-depth evaluations of transfers and high school athletes across the country.

Petitto is no stranger to SEC football, having previously worked at Alabama under Nick Saban and at Georgia Southern. His time at Alabama—where precision and detail in player evaluation is paramount—helped mold his approach and philosophy, which he carried into his role at Ohio State. Now, LSU gets the benefit of that experience, as they aim to elevate their recruiting classes and personnel strategies to championship levels. LSU’s goal is not just to land top players but to build a cohesive team that fits Kelly’s evolving scheme and culture. In that sense, Petitto is more than a hire; he’s a cornerstone of LSU’s long-term football operations strategy.

At Ohio State, Petitto’s departure leaves a significant void, especially considering his hands-on role in helping identify and pursue many of the Buckeyes’ current and future stars. The Buckeyes now face the challenge of replacing not only Petitto’s expertise but also the relationships he built with key high school coaches, prospects, and families. In the world of college recruiting, relationships are everything, and few in the country do that part of the job better than Petitto. Ohio State’s leadership will need to act quickly and decisively to ensure continuity as they search for his successor, all while keeping their current recruiting efforts on track.

This transition also highlights a growing trend across college football: the increasing mobility and influence of off-field staffers. Positions like director of scouting, player personnel director, and recruiting analysts have become as essential to a program’s success as the coordinators on the field. Programs are investing heavily in recruiting infrastructure, analytics, and personnel strategy in much the same way NFL teams build out their front offices. Petitto’s move from Ohio State to LSU is part of this broader transformation in college football, where talent acquisition and retention are now 24/7 operations led by professionals with decades of combined experience in scouting and evaluation.

For Petitto, the move offers a fresh challenge and a chance to make his mark at another powerhouse program. LSU’s fertile recruiting base, passionate fan support, and status as a perennial SEC contender make it one of the most attractive jobs in the country. The expectations are high, and Petitto will be expected to deliver results quickly as the Tigers look to reassert themselves at the top of the college football hierarchy. His understanding of national recruiting dynamics, as well as his experience managing large-scale scouting operations, will be pivotal as LSU aims to consistently land top-five recruiting classes and build depth across every position group.

LSU’s recruiting efforts in the 2025 and 2026 classes already show signs of momentum, and Petitto’s arrival could serve as a catalyst for even more aggressive moves. He brings with him not only a comprehensive knowledge of player evaluation but also a strategic mindset tailored to the modern era of NIL, the transfer portal, and heightened competition for elite talent. As more programs race to adapt to these changes, LSU’s decision to add someone with Petitto’s credentials speaks volumes about their commitment to innovation and long-term success.

Meanwhile, Ohio State’s program remains strong and resilient, but Petitto’s absence will undoubtedly be felt. His departure is also a reminder that success at the highest levels of college football requires constant adaptation, whether that means reloading talent on the field or reshaping the support staff behind the scenes. The Buckeyes, led by head coach Ryan Day and general manager Mark Pantoni, have consistently found ways to attract top off-field talent, and there is little doubt they will pursue a high-caliber replacement. But in the short term, the transition could create some disruption in Ohio State’s recruiting pipeline as relationships shift and responsibilities are reassigned.

Ultimately, Sam Petitto’s move from Ohio State to LSU is more than just a staffing change. It’s a window into the evolving nature of college football’s behind-the-scenes operations. As programs across the country compete not only on Saturdays but in living rooms, high schools, and transfer portal negotiations, having the right people in place has never been more critical. LSU is betting that Petitto is the right person to help them outmaneuver their rivals and return to national championship contention. And if his track record is any indication, the Tigers may have just made one of the most impactful hires of the 2025 offseason.

While fans and media often focus on head coaches and coordinators, it’s professionals like Sam Petitto who often shape the future of programs through diligent evaluation, strategic planning, and tireless recruiting work. LSU’s gain is Ohio State’s loss, and both programs will now move forward in their own directions—with Petitto ready to make his mark in Baton Rouge and the Buckeyes looking for the next architect of their recruiting success.