Better Know a Buckeye: Maxwell Roy Brings All-American Wrestling Background, Quickness and Power to Ohio State’s Defensive Tackle Unit

One of two players from St. Joseph's Prep (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) in Ohio State's 2025 class, four-star defensive tackle Maxwell Roy was also one of three defensive tackles for the Buckeyes in the cycle, making him a vital addition given the depth on the interior of OSU's defensive line heading into the upcoming season.

How He Became a Buckeye

Roy attended the same high school as former Buckeyes Marvin Harrison Jr. and Kyle McCord, so Ohio State was certainly familiar with the amount of talent at St. Joe's.

The Buckeyes offered Roy in May 2023, giving him his 15th Division I offer at the time. Given that the offer came during his sophomore year of high school, the defensive tackle took his time on the recruiting trail, not only to enjoy the experience but to ensure he would make the right decision in the end.

Ten months after receiving his OSU offer, Roy included the Buckeyes in his top six schools. As the recruiting process rolled along, he was seen as a Michigan lean by many. But after Roy took an official visit to Ann Arbor in late June 2024, Ohio State went all-in for the defensive tackle. It turned out to be worth it, as the Philadelphia product committed to the Buckeyes over the likes of the Wolverines and Rutgers on July 1, 2024.

High School Years

Playing in a multi-front defense at St. Joseph’s Prep, Roy showed he could thrive in both a 3-4 and 4-3 defense, especially as a run defender. Aided by his experience as an All-American wrestler, Roy's strength, quickness and use of hands shine on his high school film.

Roy had his best season at St. Joseph’s Prep as a junior, recording 47 tackles with 15.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. He missed most of his senior season due to a knee injury. 

On the wrestling mat, Roy set school records by recording 137 wins with 106 falls across his four-year high school career. He dominated on the mat early and often, finishing with a 37-8 record as a freshman and a 37-9 record as a sophomore before finishing second in the Pennsylvania state championships in the 285-pound heavyweight class as a senior.

He’ll turn his focus to football at Ohio State, but his ability to dominate opponents on the wrestling mat should translate well to holding the line of scrimmage and making plays against Big Ten offensive linemen.

Immediate Impact

Although Ohio State's depth at defensive tackle behind Eddrick Houston and Kayden McDonald is arguably the biggest question mark for the Buckeyes heading into the season, Roy likely won't factor into the rotation as a freshman. He didn’t enroll early and has been limited for the start of preseason camp due to an undisclosed injury.

If Roy proves to be a quick study once he gets back on the field, it’s certainly possible he could climb the depth chart with Ohio State’s lack of proven depth at DT. He’s already bulked up to 301 pounds at Ohio State, giving him the size needed to play either DT position. That said, he’ll likely need some time to refine his technique before he’s ready to play a major role for the Buckeyes.

Long-Term Impact

With so much uncertainty on the defensive tackle depth chart beyond Houston and McDonald for both the short and long term, Roy could start to play a significant role on Ohio State’s defensive line as early as his second season as a Buckeye in 2026.

Roy's power and strength could make him a natural fit to play nose tackle in Ohio State’s defense, though he has the quickness to factor in at 3-technique as well. Either way, he’ll be a player to watch over the next several seasons with the potential to develop into a starter or at least a regular in the rotation.

Player Comparison: Ty Hamilton

After playing a limited role during his first three seasons as a Buckeye, Hamilton made quite a name for himself in his final two seasons in Columbus.

The 6-foot-3, 290-pound defensive tackle combined for 89 tackles (11 tackles for loss), 5.5 sacks, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery in his final two seasons at OSU. As a fifth-year senior, he was a mainstay in the middle of Ohio State's defensive line on its way to winning the national championship in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. Following his career as a Buckeye, the Los Angeles Rams selected the national champion in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft.

Roy could have the same type of career path if he develops steadily throughout his career, the same way Hamilton did.