Three-Star DT from Cleveland Flips Commitment from Florida to Ohio State, Citing “Home-State Pride”…read more…
COLUMBUS, OH — In a move that is sending ripples through the college football recruiting landscape, three-star defensive tackle Elijah Mitchell of Cleveland, Ohio, has officially flipped his commitment from the University of Florida to Ohio State University. The 6-foot-3, 295-pound lineman announced his decision via a social media post early Saturday morning, ending weeks of speculation about a potential change of heart.
Mitchell, who initially committed to Florida in March, had been one of the Gators’ more vocal northern pledges in the 2025 class. But after a strong late push from Ryan Day’s coaching staff and growing pressure from his Ohio roots, the Glenville High School standout decided to stay closer to home.
“After a lot of prayer, talks with my family, and re-evaluating what’s best for me, I’ve decided to flip my commitment to The Ohio State University,” Mitchell wrote in his announcement. “Nothing but love for Florida and the coaching staff down there, but there’s no place like home. Go Bucks!”
Buckeyes Land In-State Gem
For Ohio State, Mitchell’s commitment comes as both a major in-state win and a satisfying reversal of fortunes. The Buckeyes had initially shown interest in Mitchell early in the recruiting cycle, but when the Gators swooped in with an aggressive offer and early official visit in the spring, he quickly leaned toward Gainesville.
However, defensive line coach Larry Johnson and Director of Recruiting Mark Pantoni never let the door fully close. OSU stayed in contact, continued building relationships with Mitchell’s coaches at Glenville, and made a compelling case that the Buckeyes could offer both elite player development and the chance to be a hometown hero.
“Elijah has that Buckeye DNA,” said an OSU recruiting source. “He’s tough, he’s coachable, and he’s hungry. Coach Johnson saw something special in him, and once we got him back on campus in June for a visit, we felt we had a real shot.”
The visit in question — Ohio State’s annual summer recruiting barbecue — proved to be a turning point. Mitchell was seen spending time with several other top Ohio commits and was reportedly impressed by the energy in the building and the family-like atmosphere of the current Buckeye roster.
What This Means for Florida
The loss of Mitchell stings for Florida, especially after an already turbulent offseason of staff changes and shifting recruiting dynamics. The Gators had hoped to establish a pipeline into Ohio and other northern territories with the help of newly-hired defensive line coach Sterling Lucas, who had developed a strong rapport with Mitchell.
Mitchell’s departure now leaves Florida with just two defensive line commitments in the 2025 class — four-star DE Jamari Wilkins (GA) and three-star interior lineman Tyrese Washington (TX) — and it raises questions about depth and contingency plans.
Recruiting analysts say it’s a reminder of how difficult it can be for SEC schools to hold onto out-of-region prospects, especially when a powerhouse like Ohio State comes calling.
“You have to be almost perfect when you recruit in another team’s backyard,” said 247Sports analyst Brian Dohn. “Florida made a great early impression, but proximity matters. Once Ohio State got him back on campus and showed how much they wanted him, it was always going to be tough for the Gators to hold on.”
Mitchell’s Fit at Ohio State
Mitchell is rated the No. 48 defensive tackle in the 2025 class and the No. 18 overall player in the state of Ohio, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. While he may not have the five-star hype of some of Ohio State’s other recent lineman commits, his upside has drawn praise from scouts and coaches alike.
“Elijah has great footwork for a big man and plays with violent hands,” said Glenville coach Ted Ginn Sr. “He’s just scratching the surface. Once he gets into a college strength program and learns from someone like Coach Johnson, watch out.”
Ohio State plans to use Mitchell as a rotational piece at the 3-tech defensive tackle spot, with the potential to grow into a full-time starter in Year 2 or 3. His versatility and power at the point of attack could give the Buckeyes added depth in the trenches — an area where they’ve made it a priority to reload following several recent NFL departures.
“He’s not just a space-eater,” said Rivals recruiting editor Adam Gorney. “He gets upfield and disrupts. That’s what Ohio State loves about him.”
Glenville-to-OSU Pipeline Lives On
Mitchell also becomes the latest in a long line of Glenville High School products to commit to Ohio State — a pipeline that includes Buckeye legends like Ted Ginn Jr., Troy Smith, and Marshon Lattimore. The Buckeyes have long prioritized top talent from the Cleveland public school, and Mitchell’s decision reaffirms that relationship remains strong.
“Elijah grew up watching Glenville guys play in the ‘Shoe,” said Coach Ginn. “Now it’s his turn. He’s going to make the most of this opportunity.”
Looking Ahead
Mitchell is expected to officially sign with the Buckeyes during the early signing period in December. Between now and then, he plans to recruit others to join him in Columbus, including his Glenville teammate and four-star safety Jaylen Brewer, who remains undecided.
“I want to build something special with guys from Ohio,” Mitchell told reporters after his commitment. “This state has so much talent, and if we all stay home, we can do something really big.”
As for Florida, the Gators will now look to regroup and likely shift their attention to other defensive tackle targets, including four-star Mississippi native Malachi Grant and JUCO standout Trent Harris.
But for now, the buzz is all in Buckeye land. Ohio State fans, still riding the high of a top-five recruiting class, can now add another key piece to their future defensive line. And in a state where football pride runs deep, the message is clear:
Ohio’s best still belongs in Ohio.
—
Social Media Caption:
🏈 Flip Alert! Cleveland DT Elijah Mitchell switches from Florida to Ohio State: “There’s no place like home.” Buckeyes add another in-state gem. #GoBucks #RecruitingTrail #BuckeyeNation
Leave a Reply