COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State just added another gem to its 2025 recruiting class, and this one hits close to home. Four-star linebacker CJ Sanna, the 6-foot-3, 225-pound standout from Lewis Center, Ohio, has officially committed to the Buckeyes, turning down offers from Wisconsin, Indiana, and Miami.
Sanna, a product of Olentangy High School just a short drive from the Horseshoe, made the announcement on Friday afternoon via social media, posting: “Beyond blessed… Go Bucks!” The decision sent a wave of excitement through Buckeye Nation, not just because Sanna is one of the top linebacker prospects in the Midwest, but because he represents everything head coach Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles are building: physical, disciplined, and local.
Staying Home — A Dream Realized
For Sanna, the decision was more than football — it was about representing his community on the highest stage in college football.
“I grew up watching the Buckeyes,” Sanna said in an interview following his commitment. “This has always been the dream — to wear the Scarlet and Gray, to run out into the ‘Shoe with 100,000 people behind you. I prayed on it, talked with my family, and I knew this was home.”
Staying home in Ohio also gives Sanna the opportunity to continue his football journey with a strong support system. “I’ve got my parents, my younger brother, my teammates — they’ve all been a huge part of this process. I want to do this not just for me, but for all of us.”
A Big-Time Talent
Sanna is currently ranked as a top-15 linebacker nationally by 247Sports and sits firmly within the Top 200 overall prospects in the class of 2025. He’s coming off a junior season where he posted 92 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and a pair of forced fumbles. His blend of sideline-to-sideline speed, size, and instincts makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Ohio State linebackers coach James Laurinaitis played a pivotal role in Sanna’s recruitment, forming a strong bond with the young linebacker throughout the spring and summer.
“Coach Laurinaitis is someone I look up to,” Sanna said. “He played the position at the highest level, both in college and the NFL. When he talks, you listen — and what he sees in me gives me confidence to take my game to the next level.”
Sanna’s versatility also stood out to the Buckeye staff. He can play as an inside MIKE linebacker or flex out as a SAM, depending on the package. With Ohio State continuing to evolve its defensive schemes under Knowles, Sanna offers flexibility and explosiveness — two traits that the Buckeyes are prioritizing more than ever.
Another Local Star Stays Home
Sanna’s commitment is significant for more than just his talent. In an era where elite high school players are increasingly looking out of state or chasing early NIL opportunities, keeping top in-state talent is a huge statement. Ohio State has now landed three of the top five players in Ohio for the 2025 class, reinforcing Day’s vision of locking down the state and surrounding region.
“It means something to put on for your state,” Sanna said. “There’s pride in being from here, in putting that Block ‘O’ on your helmet. I don’t take that lightly.”
Turning Down Other Powerhouses
Sanna had no shortage of suitors. Wisconsin made a strong push late, selling him on early playing time and defensive tradition. Indiana offered the opportunity to make an instant impact under Curt Cignetti, while Miami rolled out the red carpet during an official visit in March.
But none of it compared to what Ohio State offered — both on the field and off. The Buckeye program’s track record of putting linebackers in the NFL, along with their top-tier strength and development programs, gave Sanna all the confidence he needed to commit.
“It wasn’t about flash,” he said. “It was about culture, about development, and about winning championships. That’s what I want, and that’s what Ohio State gives me the best shot to do.”
What’s Next?
Sanna plans to enroll early in January 2025 and is expected to be a major factor in the linebacker room as a freshman. With the departures of veterans like Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers, the Buckeyes are reloading at the position, and Sanna will likely compete for time early in his career.
In the meantime, he’s already shifting his attention to recruiting others.
“We’ve got something special brewing in this class,” he said. “I want to help build it. We’re not just here to play — we’re here to win national championships.”
Final Thoughts
CJ Sanna’s commitment is a massive win for Ohio State — not just because of his potential as a linebacker, but because of what he represents. A homegrown star with the character, mindset, and athleticism to thrive at the next level, Sanna’s decision reflects the power of the Buckeye brand and the family culture that Ryan Day continues to cultivate in Columbus.
