Ohio State was one of the first high-profile programs to believe in three-star 2026 defensive end Keysaun Eleazer.
Defensive line coach Larry Johnson offered Eleazer in November and was intrigued by the 6-foot-5, 205-pound edge rusher’s upside.
“It meant a lot because that was a program that I watched growing up,” Eleazer told Eleven Warriors of the offer. “They send a lot of people to the league and they were kind of my biggest offer early on. I believe it was my second or third Power Four offer.”
The relationship between OSU and Eleazer has grown since then, with the North Carolina product scheduling an official visit to Columbus for June 13-15. He’ll also visit Virginia Tech, Florida State, Tennessee and Georgia Tech this summer and took an official visit to Stanford last week.
OV Locked @OhioStateFB @N_Murph @R2X_Rushmen1 @ryandaytime @BarstoolOSU @Bulldog_Recruit pic.twitter.com/JPIqfqaRE0
— Keysaun Eleazer (4 edge) (@Keysaun11) February 27, 2025
“I’m looking forward to spending time with the coaches, but mainly interacting with the players and seeing how they feel about Ohio State outside of the football aspect,” Eleazer said of what he’s looking forward to the most on his upcoming official visit.
Eleazer says he speaks with Johnson frequently. He’s spoken with defensive coordinator Matt Patricia “a couple of times,” but he says he’s looking forward to building a stronger relationship with him during his official visit.
“(Coach Johnson and I) talk about a lot of different things, like regular day stuff, school and football things,” Eleazer said. “He helps me to get better, he tells me to keep working, keep working out and getting faster and stronger. He’s excited for me to come up.”
Last season, Eleazer had a breakout year with 81 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, 18 quarterback hurries, an interception, two pass deflections, two fumble recoveries and five forced fumbles.
“I’d say my ability to pass rush and my versatility,” Eleazer said of his best on-field attributes. “I can also cover and rush from a bunch of different spots.”
Eleazer says he’s intrigued by OSU’s defensive scheme and how it uses its defensive linemen, as the North Carolina standout was impressed watching the national championship run.
“What stood out is they let them play,” Eleazer said of his takeaways of OSU’s defensive line. “They let them get after the ball and get after the quarterback, move them around a lot and set them free. They’re very technically sound.”
Eleazer is considered the No. 487 prospect and No. 45 edge rusher in the 2026 class per 247Sports’ composite rankings. It’s essentially a six-team race in Eleazer’s recruitment at the moment, but the Buckeyes will have as good a chance as any if they decide to go all-in for him on his official visit.
“They’re definitely up there,” Eleazer said of OSU in his recruitment. “I’m really considering the schools I’ve set up official visits with. So those are pretty much my top list.”
Eleazer said he hopes to commit sometime in July or early August, but his decision will be made before his senior season starts.
“I’m strong on my main three values, which are education, relationships and development,” Eleazer said on what will be the biggest factors in his decision.
