"Riley Pettijohn is one of the most athletic linebackers in the 2025 cycle": Charles Power credits Ohio State commit for his unique skillsets

McKinney (Texas) four-star linebacker Riley Pettijohn committed to Ohio State's 2025 class, choosing the Buckeyes over Texas A&M, Texas and USC. After missing out on some potential prospects, Pettijohn's pledge is a huge boost for Ryan Day's program.

Charles Power, On3's director of scouting and rankings, shared insights with Lettermen Row about Pettijohn's potential impact on Ohio State.

"Riley Pettijohn is one of the most athletic linebackers in the 2025 cycle. He’s one who came onto our radar heading into his sophomore season just by way of really strong performances on the camp circuit and he parlayed that into a very good junior year playing on one of the top defenses in North Texas."

Pettijohn competes in track and field as well, excelling in the 100-meter dash and the long jump.

"He’s a guy who projects to have very good range and sideline-to-sideline ability at the next level. He’s one who has continued getting better and better.”

Pettijohn's journey to linebacker began after initially playing safety. The switch ahead of the 2022 season proved fruitful, as he recorded 125 total tackles, 86 solo tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks, one interception, and five passes defended as a junior, which earned him high praise from Power.

"When you look at what he brings to the table with his athleticism, the production he put up as a junior and his potential to project as an every down linebacker who can play in space and run sideline-to-sideline."

Pettijohn is the second recruit from Texas to commit to Ohio State in the 2025 cycle, with the Longhorns initially seen as favorites to secure his commitment. Power pointed out the significance of this win for the Buckeyes.

“For Ohio State, obviously, this is a big get to go into Texas and get one of the top linebackers in the country. He’ll provide just a jolt of athleticism to their linebacking core and these are the types of recruiting wins that Ohio State has grown accustomed to in becoming one of the top programs in the country."

In his past two seasons, Pettijohn has amassed 162 total tackles, including 120 last season, along with 15 tackles for loss, six sacks, and one interception. He is the son of former Syracuse defensive lineman Duke Pettijohn, who was a two-time All-Big East selection.

Ohio State's recruiting class gets a boost post-Riley Pettijohn commitment

Riley Pettijohn is the No. 42 overall prospect, the No. 2 linebacker in the 2025 class, and the No. 11 prospect in Texas, according to On3. 247 Sports lists him as the No. 58 overall prospect, the No. 5 linebacker in the class, and the No. 10 prospect in the state.

Pettijohn’s commitment propels Ohio State to the top of the national recruiting rankings. On3's team rankings now place the Buckeyes at No. 1, up from their previous position at No. 4. In the Big Ten, Ohio State also ascended to the top spot, surpassing their previous No. 2 ranking.

Pettijohn is the No. 23 commit to the Buckeyes' 2025 class. He becomes the fourth-highest-rated prospect, and the third linebacker in the class, joining Tarvos Alford and Eli Lee. Among defensive prospects, he is the third highest-rated commit.