Ohio State football just landed a big one. Standout linebacker Prince Goldsby has committed, and honestly, it’s another feather in the cap for James Laurinaitis and the coaching staff.
Goldsby’s a highly sought-after prospect from Missouri. Picking the Buckeyes over a handful of big-name programs, he’s locked in as part of Ohio State’s 2027 class.
So, what’s the story here?
Prince Goldsby Commits to Ohio State
On Monday evening, Ohio State snagged a major commitment when Missouri linebacker Prince Goldsby announced he’s coming to Columbus. He’s 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, and honestly, the guy’s a playmaker.
Ohio State got in a little late with their offer, but Laurinaitis hustled to build a connection. That effort paid off.
Recruiting Journey
After Ohio State offered on February 27, Goldsby’s recruitment really took off. Laurinaitis wasted no time making him feel like a priority.
Goldsby’s from Blue Springs South High School. The relationship just clicked, and he started picturing himself in scarlet and gray.
He visited Columbus for the spring game in April. That trip sealed the deal for him, honestly.
After that, he and the Ohio State staff were in constant contact. The momentum just kept building.
Competing Schools
Ohio State wasn’t the only one after Goldsby. He had offers from Alabama, Indiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Miami, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, and Oregon.
Nebraska was probably the biggest threat, with Alabama right in the mix too. But the Buckeyes just wouldn’t let up, and now they’ve got their 13th commitment for 2027.
Goldsby’s Impact on Ohio State’s 2027 Recruiting Class
Adding Goldsby gives a real boost to the Buckeyes’ 2027 class. According to 247Sports, he’s ranked No. 159 overall and the No. 11 linebacker in the country.
He’s the sixth-highest-ranked linebacker in the current cycle, behind DJ Jacobs, Jamier Brown, Kellen Wymer, Wyatt Smith, and Quinton Cypher. Not too shabby.
Junior Season Performance
Goldsby’s junior season numbers are wild. He put up:
- 83 tackles
- 22.5 tackles for loss
- 13.5 sacks
- 2 pass breakups
- 1 forced fumble
- 1 fumble recovery
He just has a knack for getting in the backfield and causing chaos. That’s exactly what you want in a linebacker, right?
Future Prospects
Goldsby’s set for his official visit to Ohio State on June 5. With his commitment locked up, that might be his only trip this summer.
He joins Quinton Cypher as the second linebacker in the 2027 class. Ohio State’s still chasing another: Kaylon Bailey, who’s expected to announce on June 25.
Ohio State’s Defensive Outlook
The Buckeyes are coming off a 12-0 regular season in 2025. They fell short in the Big Ten title game and the College Football Playoff quarterfinal, which has to sting a bit.
They lost 12 starters, eight on defense, so second-year defensive coordinator Matt Patricia has his work cut out for him.
Key Returning Players
Even with all the turnover, there’s still some serious talent coming back. Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Jermaine Mathews Jr., and Jaylen McClain are all expected to be big pieces.
And don’t forget about Devin Sanchez. The sophomore cornerback is poised for a breakout after getting thrown into the fire as a freshman.
Sanchez’s Development
Sanchez, a five-star from Houston’s North Shore High School, played every game as a freshman in 2025. He had some rough moments but really started to figure it out as the year went on.
Cornerbacks coach Tim Walton keeps talking about Sanchez’s potential to lock down one side of the field. Can he get there? We’ll see, but the upside’s obvious.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
With spring practice underway, Ohio State’s dialed in on building a top-tier defense. The coaches are working overtime to develop the roster and put their stamp on this group.
Offseason Preparation
Ohio State’s offseason program is no joke. Daily practices and scrimmages keep players like Sanchez on their toes.
It’s a chance to sharpen skills against top-tier wide receivers—Jeremiah Smith comes to mind. These sessions matter, especially if the Buckeyes want to shake off last season’s letdowns and push for a real shot at the College Football Playoff.
For more on Prince Goldsby’s commitment and what it means for the Buckeyes, check out the full article here.
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