The Buckeyes finally solidified their final coaching spot, and it was an internal hire. The Buckeyes promoted graduate assistant and Buckeye legend James Laurinaitis to full time linebackers Coach. There has been nothing but positive reactions about the promotion, from inside the program to on the recruiting trail.
3️⃣3️⃣ is staying home as our Linebackers coach 📍@JLaurinaitis55
#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/y3xaXGn5wL— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) February 15, 2024
2025 Ohio State three-star LB commit Eli Lee: “I think it’s amazing news and I am excited. I can’t ask for a better mentor and coach as a linebacker.”
🤯
— Tarvos “Tj” Alford II (@TarvosAlford_II) February 15, 2024
2025 four-star LB Tarvos Alford: “I’m happy for my guy. He really deserves it. I can’t wait to see the leap from the LBs this year.”
- Alford is set to announce on March 30th, and the Buckeyes are viewed as the heavy favorites. His relationship with Laurinaitis has played a huge part in his recruitment for the Buckeyes.
— Justin “J-Hill” Hill (@justinnn10k) February 15, 2024
2025 four-star EDGE/LB Justin Hill: “I’m super happy for Coach Laurinaitis, and it’s definitely starting to look like OSU can be my future home more than it was before.”
Mr. Kurelic @Bill_Kurelic thank you for your support as always! #GoBucks🌰@CoachJimKnowles @R2X_Rushmen1 @JLaurinaitis55 @CoachMcGrath22 @N_Murph @CoachKee @RyanMayhew_ pic.twitter.com/3yu4telcmC
— Cam Thomas (@CamThomas2026_3) February 11, 2024
2026 unranked EDGE/LB Cam Thomas: “I think it’s awesome. Obviously as a legendary former Ohio State player, he understands what it means and what it takes to be a silver bullet in Columbus. It’s great because me and Coach (Laurinaitis) have already started a relationship and I hope to build on that more as he takes a bigger role.”
There is a ton of positive buzz around the hire, and that can only lead to good results. Laurinaitis has been an excellent recruiter on the trail. Buckeye fans should love the hire. The future for the linebacker room is very, very bright.
Kaleb Longhurst, a Cincinnati, Ohio native, is a recruiting analyst that covers Ohio State. A trusted source for Buckeyes recruiting, Kaleb has experience at Mike Farrell Sports, but has blossomed at TSB. Kaleb is an up and coming writer who is just getting started.