Jul 62 min read

Laurinaitis Lands Massive Commit In Four-Star From Texas

Entering his first complete season as a full-time position coach for Ohio State, James Laurinaitis picked up a massive commitment from the Lone Star State. Four-star linebacker Riley Pettijohn pledged to join the Buckeyes' 2025 class. Pettijohn is the second four-star LB in the class, pairing with Tarvos Alford.

Pettijohn hails from McKinney, Texas, and plays at McKinney High School. Rivals ranks him as the No. 1 linebacker in the 2025 class and the No. 33 overall prospect. Pettijohn chose the Buckeyes over USC, Texas and other traditional collegiate powerhouse programs. He is the son of former Syracuse All-Big East Conference defensive lineman Duke Pettijohn.

Scouting Riley Pettijohn

Pettijohn is 6-foot-2 and weighs 215 pounds. As a sophomore, Pettijohn recorded 42 tackles (including 5 tackles for loss), 3 sacks and 5 quarterback hurries. He ramped his numbers up during his junior year, making 125 tackles (including 8 TFLs), 3 sacks and 4 QB hurries. He also hauled in an interception and blocked a field goal attempt.

According to Gabe Brooks, 247Sports recruiting analyst, Pettijohn is a skilled and versatile athlete, capable of playing multiple linebacker positions. He has exceptional speed. Competing in a broad array of track and field events in high school, he has demonstrated "explosive vertical and broad jump metrics." He has registered impressive times in individual and relay team sprints. On the gridiron, he chases down nearly all prep opponents. He has displayed an uncanny knack for getting to opposing ball carriers by running around blocks rather than through them. He has also demonstrated the ability to contain running backs and tight ends in pass coverage. He projects as a multi-year starter at the Power Four level and looks to be headed for the NFL.

In addition to playing football and track and field, Pettijohn plays varsity basketball.

Laurinaitis Adds to Ohio State's 2025 Recruiting Class

Pettijohn adds to the strength of the Buckeyes' top-flight 2025 class. Before his commitment, Ohio State's class was rated No. 1 in the nation. His commitment buttresses that top ranking. The class is headlined by a trio of five-star athletes—cornerbacks Devin Sanchez and Na'eem Offord and QB Tavien St. Clair. Each member of that trio has inked an NIL deal valued at over half a million dollars.

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