JUST IN: Top star commits to Ohio State over Michigan, Oregon and others

It’s always a good day in Columbus when the Ohio State Buckeyes secure a recruit over the Michigan Wolverines. However, landing a recruit over not just Michigan, but also programs like Oregon and Wisconsin? That’s a significant victory for Ryan Day and his team.

This was the case with Maxwell Roy, a four-star defensive lineman from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. According to 247Sports, Roy is ranked as the No. 19 defensive lineman in the 2025 class. He committed to Ohio State despite offers from top schools like Oregon, Wisconsin, Duke, and Rutgers.

Roy felt a connection to Ohio State from the beginning, largely due to the strong pipeline between his high school, St. Joseph’s Prep, and the Buckeyes.

“It starts with the great relationship our high school has with Ohio State,” Roy told On3. “From Isaiah West to Marvin Harrison Jr. to Kyle McCord, we have a great connection with the people at Ohio State. For me, it’s where I feel I can be my best. Playing for associate head coach and defensive line coach Larry Johnson, who has a proven track record of developing players, was a big factor.”

Roy also believes Ohio State is the best place for his development and his aspirations to be a champion.

“At Ohio State, I feel they can make me the best player, man, and student. They have a great culture, coach Ryan Day is focused on winning championships, and Ohio State has the environment I am looking for,” he said.

With Roy’s addition, Ohio State’s No. 1 ranked class has become even stronger. He marks Day’s 22nd commitment for the 2025 class, which includes three five-star recruits and twelve four-star recruits.