In a significant development for college football recruiting, four-star defensive end Zion Grady from Enterprise, Alabama, has committed to Ohio State University. Grady, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 235 pounds, is ranked as the No. 66 overall player and the sixth-best edge rusher in the 2025 class by the 247Sports composite rankings.

 

Grady’s commitment to the Buckeyes follows his decommitment from Alabama after the retirement of head coach Nick Saban. Ohio State successfully secured Grady’s pledge over other prominent programs, including Miami (Fla.), Florida State, Auburn, and Tennessee.

 

During his junior season, Grady showcased his defensive prowess with 87 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 22 quarterback hurries, 11 sacks, and an interception. His sophomore year was equally impressive, recording 108 tackles, 27 quarterback hurries, 22 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

 

Grady becomes the third defensive lineman to join Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class, alongside four-star prospects Zahir Mathis from Philadelphia’s Imhotep Institute and London Merritt from Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy.

 

In related news, five-star edge rusher Zion Elee, a top-rated recruit committed to Maryland since December, has left the door open for a potential flip in his commitment. Elee, who is considering official visits to several programs, including Ohio State, stated, “It all boils down to signing day, but I know for right now I’m committed to Maryland.”

 

Ohio State’s success in securing commitments from top defensive talents like Grady underscores the program’s strong recruiting efforts and its appeal to elite athletes nationwide.