Nation’s Top Prospect Stuns College Football World, Picks Ohio State Over Tennessee, Louisville, and Notre Dame in a Stunning Commitment Move
In a jaw-dropping announcement that turned heads across the college football landscape, the No. 1 overall player in the nation made his college decision known—and it’s one that few saw coming. The elite prospect, five-star defensive end Damian Carter, committed to **Ohio State**, turning down offers from Tennessee, Louisville, and Notre Dame in what is being hailed as one of the biggest recruiting wins of the year.
The commitment came during a nationally streamed ceremony held at Carter’s high school gym in Atlanta, where dozens of reporters, teammates, and fans gathered to hear his decision. Dressed in a neutral gray suit and seated beside his family, Carter reached beneath the table and pulled out a scarlet and gray Buckeyes cap—instantly igniting a media frenzy.
“Ohio State just felt like the right place for me from the start,” Carter said. “The coaches, the tradition, the chance to compete for championships—it all aligned with my goals. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I knew in my heart it was the right one.”
Carter, a 6-foot-5, 260-pound defensive phenom, has long been considered the crown jewel of the 2025 class. With freakish athleticism, a relentless motor, and refined technique beyond his years, he’s expected to be a program-changing player at the collegiate level. Throughout his junior season, he racked up 19 sacks and 35 tackles for loss, dominating every opponent he faced.
Many experts had pegged Tennessee or Notre Dame as the likely landing spots, given their longstanding pursuit of the elite defender. Louisville also made a strong push late, but Ohio State quietly remained consistent throughout the process. Defensive line coach Larry Johnson, one of the most respected position coaches in the nation, was instrumental in landing Carter.
“Coach Johnson is a legend,” Carter said. “The way he develops guys like Chase Young and the Bosa brothers—there’s a reason Ohio State produces defensive linemen at the highest level. I trust him to take me where I want to go.”
The commitment gives Ohio State yet another boost in their top-ranked 2025 recruiting class, which already features several other five-star talents on both sides of the ball. With Carter in the fold, the Buckeyes not only secure a game-wrecking pass rusher but also send a strong message to the rest of the college football world: the rich are getting richer.
“This is a massive win for Ryan Day and his staff,” said 247Sports analyst Allen Trieu. “Carter is a generational talent and the type of player who changes the identity of a defense from day one. Beating out programs like Notre Dame and Tennessee only makes it more impressive.”
As Carter prepares for his final high school season, he says his commitment won’t slow his work ethic. “Now that I’ve made my decision, the real work begins. I’m ready to bring my all to Columbus.”
