Breaking news;Four-star DE TaDerius Collins Flip his commitment To Ohio State football over Georgia Bulldogs and Auburn More…
Breaking news;Four-star DE TaDerius Collins Flip his commitment To Ohio State football over Georgia Bulldogs and Auburn More…
Four-Star DE TaDerius Collins Flips Commitment to Ohio State Over Georgia and Auburn
By [Your Name]
June 3, 2025
In a major shakeup to the college football recruiting landscape, four-star defensive end TaDerius Collins has flipped his commitment from the Georgia Bulldogs to Ohio State, stunning fans and programs alike. The announcement, made early Tuesday via social media and confirmed by multiple recruiting outlets, gives the Buckeyes yet another blue-chip addition to their already loaded 2025 recruiting class.
Collins, a 6-foot-4, 250-pound defensive end from Northwood High School in Shreveport, Louisiana, had previously committed to Georgia in early March. However, after taking an official visit to Columbus in May and establishing strong relationships with the Buckeyes’ coaching staff, especially defensive line coach Larry Johnson, Collins made the decision to change course and pledge his future to Ohio State.
A Shocking Turn in the Recruiting Saga
TaDerius Collins’ recruitment has been one of the more closely watched stories in the 2025 cycle. Ranked as the No. 12 edge rusher and No. 98 overall player nationally by the 247Sports Composite, Collins drew offers from virtually every powerhouse program in the country. Georgia, Auburn, LSU, Alabama, and Texas were all in heavy pursuit of the explosive edge defender, but it was Ohio State that ultimately won the day.
Collins had long been considered a strong lean to SEC schools, especially Georgia and Auburn. His commitment to Georgia earlier this year was viewed as a significant win for the Bulldogs, who have been stockpiling elite defensive talent under head coach Kirby Smart. Auburn also made a late surge, with new head coach Hugh Freeze personally leading the charge to flip Collins.
But Ohio State stayed persistent.
Ohio State’s Persistence Pays Off
Ohio State had been involved with Collins for over a year and never backed off despite his early pledge to Georgia. Defensive line coach Larry Johnson, known for producing top-tier pass rushers like Joey and Nick Bosa, Chase Young, and Zach Harrison, played a pivotal role in flipping Collins. According to sources close to the program, Johnson maintained regular contact with Collins even after his Georgia commitment and emphasized the long-term development plan Ohio State had in store for him.
“Coach Johnson never gave up on me,” Collins said during his commitment video. “He always believed I could be the next great edge rusher at Ohio State. That meant a lot. After my visit to Columbus, I just knew it was the place for me.”
The visit in May proved to be the turning point. Collins reportedly connected deeply with the coaching staff and bonded with several current players and fellow 2025 commits. The Buckeyes rolled out the red carpet, and the culture in Columbus made a lasting impression.
What Collins Brings to Ohio State
TaDerius Collins is a prototype edge defender. At 6-4 and 250 pounds, he possesses a rare blend of speed, power, and agility. His first step is explosive, and he uses his hands well to disengage from blockers. Collins recorded 15.5 sacks and 23 tackles for loss during his junior season at Northwood, along with 60 total tackles and multiple forced fumbles. His film showcases a relentless motor and the ability to wreak havoc in both pass-rush and run-stopping situations.
What stands out most about Collins is his versatility. He can play with his hand in the dirt as a traditional defensive end or stand up as an outside linebacker in certain packages. That kind of flexibility is invaluable in modern college defenses, especially against high-tempo offenses.
For Ohio State, Collins adds depth and firepower to an already strong defensive line room. With the Buckeyes losing key veterans after the 2024 season, including JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, Collins could find himself competing for snaps early in his college career.
Impact on the 2025 Recruiting Class
With the addition of Collins, Ohio State’s 2025 class now features three top-100 defensive players, further solidifying its standing among the nation’s best. The Buckeyes have been aggressive on the recruiting trail and are looking to bounce back from a 2024 cycle where they narrowly missed out on several five-star targets.
Collins joins four-star linebacker Malik Washington and cornerback Jalen James as blue-chip defensive additions, giving Ohio State one of the most balanced classes in the country.
Recruiting insiders view Collins’ flip as a momentum shift in favor of the Buckeyes, especially as the summer official visit season heats up. Head coach Ryan Day and his staff have proven yet again that they can go head-to-head with SEC powers and win.
“This is a statement win for Ohio State,” said national recruiting analyst Steve Wiltfong. “To go into SEC country and flip a top defensive player from Georgia—arguably the most dominant defensive program of the past five years—is a testament to what the Buckeyes are building.”
Repercussions for Georgia and Auburn
While Ohio State celebrates, Georgia and Auburn are left to regroup. For Georgia, this marks the second top-100 defensive player they’ve lost in recent months, raising questions about the Bulldogs’ ability to hold onto early commitments. Still, with the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class as of June, Georgia isn’t likely to be short on talent come signing day.
Auburn, on the other hand, had hoped to close the deal with Collins after making him a top priority in recent weeks. Hugh Freeze’s staff remains in the hunt for multiple edge rushers and will need to turn their attention to other targets such as four-star DE Zion Grady and in-state standout Kamarion Franklin.
Looking Ahead
TaDerius Collins is expected to officially sign with Ohio State during the early signing period in December, though opposing programs may still try to sway him until pen meets paper. For now, though, Collins appears locked in.
“I’m done with the process,” he said. “Ohio State is where I’m going. I believe in the vision, I believe in Coach Johnson, and I believe in what we’re building in Columbus.”
With Collins now in the fold, all eyes turn to who might be next to join him. The Buckeyes are reportedly in the mix for several other elite defensive prospects, and if recent momentum is any indication, more good news could be on the horizon.
Final Thoughts
TaDerius Collins flipping to Ohio State is more than just a recruiting win—it’s a signal. A signal that Ohio State remains a national power not only on the field but on the recruiting trail. It shows the importance of persistence, relationships, and development pitch in today’s hyper-competitive recruiting environment.
For Collins, the decision is a personal and professional milestone. For Ohio State, it’s another piece of the puzzle as they aim to return to the top of the college football mountain.
