Breaking:Elite Safety Faheem Delane Commits to Ohio State, Spurning Death Valley for Columbus…
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world, elite 2025 safety Faheem Delane has officially committed to Ohio State, turning down heavy interest from LSU and other powerhouse programs. The announcement came via a social media post late Monday evening, capping months of speculation and an intense recruiting battle for one of the top defensive prospects in the nation.
Delane, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound defensive back out of Good Counsel High School in Olney, Maryland, had long been considered a prime target for several blue-blood programs, including Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, and LSU. His decision to pledge his future to the Buckeyes marks a significant win for head coach Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who have made a concerted effort in recent months to bolster the back end of their defense with elite-level talent.
“I chose Ohio State because of the family atmosphere, the track record of developing DBs, and the opportunity to compete for a national championship,” Delane said in an interview following his commitment. “Columbus felt like home, and I trust the coaching staff to prepare me for the next level—on and off the field.”
Delane, widely regarded as one of the top safeties in the 2025 class, brings a rare combination of physicality, speed, and football IQ. His highlight reels are filled with punishing hits, instinctual reads, and game-changing plays that have earned him comparisons to former Buckeye greats like Malik Hooker and Vonn Bell. He’s also a versatile athlete, capable of playing either safety spot or even sliding down to cover in the nickel, which adds another dimension to Ohio State’s evolving defensive schemes.
The Buckeyes have been on a hot streak in recruiting defensive backs, with Delane’s commitment further solidifying what could be one of the best secondary classes in the country. His decision to choose Ohio State over LSU—a program known for producing elite DBs and boasting the moniker “DBU”—is particularly telling. While Death Valley’s allure is undeniable, Delane said he was ultimately swayed by Ohio State’s developmental philosophy and the relationships he built with the staff and players during his visits.
“Coach Eliano and Coach Knowles really laid out a plan for how I fit into their defense. It wasn’t just about hype—it was about development, culture, and accountability,” Delane added.
This commitment also sends a strong message to the rest of college football: Ohio State is serious about reclaiming its spot atop the defensive hierarchy, especially in the secondary. With several high-profile defensive recruits already on board and more on the radar, the Buckeyes appear poised to reload rather than rebuild.
For LSU and other contenders who were hoping to land Delane, it’s a tough pill to swallow. But for Ohio State, it’s a massive victory that could pay dividends for years to come.
As the Buckeyes look ahead to future College Football Playoff runs, Faheem Delane may very well be a cornerstone of the next great O
hio State defense.
