On a Thursday night in October, the phone rang for 2025 three-star LB Eli Lee. At that moment, the Archbishop Hoban (Akron) stalwart received an offer from Ohio State.

After a great conversation with @CoachJimKnowles and @JLaurinaitis55 I am honored to say I have received an offer from THE Ohio State University!!!! #GoBucks 🌰 @OhioStateFB @HobanFootball @Birm @alexgleitman @Hoban_Strength @showcaseneohsfb #AGTG pic.twitter.com/nmEnCW4ZtO

— Eli Lee (@EliLee12) October 4, 2023

Lee spoke on receiving the offer, “It’s an honor to have an offer from Ohio State and it means a lot that they are interested.” But his interest is very high in the Buckeyes especially after receiving the offer, “I am very interested in Ohio State and I am happy they have shown this much interest.” A visit to Ohio State is in the works soon for Lee as well, possibly for the Penn State game.

Thanks for reaching out @CoachJimKnowles @JLaurinaitis55 @CoachMcGrath22 !! This is 🔥! #GoBucks 🌰 @OhioStateFB @HobanFootball @Hoban_Strength @OhioNEBigSchool @Birm pic.twitter.com/owQFaMp6CF

— Eli Lee (@EliLee12) September 7, 2023

Eventually, Lee spoke about receiving the offer over the phone, “Coach Knowles and Coach Laurinaitis had me on a group FaceTime and Coach Knowles offered me.” The Buckeyes are starting to ramp up in the 2025 class and starting in-state would be a huge win. The Ohio 2025 class is one of the most talented in a minute, and the Buckeyes already have a commitment from quarterback Taven St. Clair, the top 2025 player in the state.

Thanks for reaching out @OhioStateFB !! Looking forward to building relationships with @CoachJimKnowles @JLaurinaitis55 @CoachMcGrath22 ! #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/SfOaZIzkso

— Eli Lee (@EliLee12) August 1, 2023

There is some competition for Lee. “Ohio State, West Virgina, and Iowa State are all standing out because they have offered me and have shown the most interest,” he siad. Lee plans on visiting many schools including the Buckeyes, Penn State, and Michigan for gameday visits. But I wouldn’t be shocked with the Buckeyes winning this battle down the road.

#KnightTime @HobanFootball @Hoban_Strength @OhioNEBigSchool pic.twitter.com/RP5VEW4lfs

— Eli Lee (@EliLee12) August 29, 2023

Lee is having a phenomenal junior season, being a key part to Hoban’s defense. The Ohio State staff has compared him to Buckeyes Tommy Eichenberg and AJ Hawk. Lee is a great tackler and a very physical linebacker that the Buckeyes would love to add to their 2025 class.

Featured image via: 247sports.com