Key Ohio State recruiting target admits 'It was a little weird' when the Buckeyes called to offer a scholarship
The Ohio State Buckeyes overhauled their coaching staff in the wake of losing talented minds in the aftermath of winning a National Championship. The recipe for seeing turnover with top recruits that Jim Knowles and Chip Kelly were previously talking to was in place, but the Buckeyes have largely avoided disaster in the 2026 and […]
The Ohio State Buckeyes overhauled their coaching staff in the wake of losing talented minds in the aftermath of winning a National Championship. The recipe for seeing turnover with top recruits that Jim Knowles and Chip Kelly were previously talking to was in place, but the Buckeyes have largely avoided disaster in the 2026 and 2027 classes so far.
Part of that is the effort from assistants and new coordinators. For example, potential future head coaching candidate James Laurinaitis has been repeatedly praised for his work in the linebacker room. Not only has the unit performed well on the field, but the LB coach has been winning battles on the recruiting trail.
One of the more interesting linebacker/defensive weapon prospects he and head coach Ryan Day are going after in the 2027 class is Jalaythan Mayfield. The 6-foot-1, 215-pounder from North Carolina already ranks as a four-star recruit.
He shared a funny story of what happened when he and his brother were getting Wendy's when Laurinaitis called to make an offer to him.
“It was a little weird, but it was very exciting. We were both excited about it,” Mayfield said. “Especially with them just coming off a national championship. Headed home with that offer with me, that’s a big offer for sure.”
Now, months later, Mayfield has made a clear connection with the Buckeyes. He attended their first recruiting camp of the summer last week, and onlookers believed he was the top performer among the linebackers.
His natural speed, athleticism, comfort in zone drops and man coverage showed a unique attention to detail and coordination.
“It was exciting, I love the way he coaches,” Mayfield said of the opportunity to work out with Laurinaitis. “I feel like I got better today. I definitely learned some stuff that I can take back home. He’s a teacher, he gets excited and gets all riled up and I like that. I can feel the passion from what he’s saying. I feel like he’s a great coach. He was a dog at Ohio State and I want to be the same way. Getting developed by a person like that, I can get to be like how he was, or better from a teacher like that.”
Totaling 109 tackles, 10 sacks, three fumble recoveries, a pass deflection, two forced fumbles and a blocked field goal in 2024, it's safe to say he has a nose for the ball. That's the type of playmaking that's extremely hard to find on any defense.
It's possible Mayfield could be a Harold Perkins-type option for the Buckeyes, should he choose to come to Columbus.
“I definitely want to get back here,” Mayfield said. “Probably in the fall. Texas and Penn State do sound like some good games to go to, but I’m just trying to get here whenever.”
We'll see if Day and his young, hungry staff can seal the deal with the versatile defender.
