Highly Touted Star Sends Strong Message on Ohio State Football

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dave Holcomb | Last updated Jun 6, 2025 7:10 PM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes got a jumpstart on recruiting a 2027 four-star linebacker this week. It's safe to say the prospect's visit to Columbus, Ohio, went well.

That's because four-star linebacker Jalaythan Mayfield delivered a clear message about how much he enjoyed his time with the Buckeyes this past week.

"I had an amazing visit at Ohio State this week," Mayfield wrote on X. "I enjoyed getting to meet all the staff, and I'm glad to be able to take new skills and techniques back home with me.

"Thank you James Laurinaitis for the invite."

Mayfield used tags for Ohio State and coach Laurinaitis. He also included tags for three other Buckeyes coaches, including Ryan Day.

The Buckeyes hosted several top 2027 recruits on Thursday. According to On3's Mick Walker, Mayfield was the highest rated of the bunch.

"On3 ranks Mayfield as the No. 58 overall prospect and No. 4 linebacker in the 2027 class," Walker wrote. "Additionally, Mayfield is the No. 117 overall prospect and No. 7 linebacker in the On3 Industry Ranking. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Mayfield was offered by Ohio State in March."

I had an amazing visit at @OhioStateFB this week I enjoyed getting to meet all the staff‼️and I’m glad to be able to take new skills and techniques back home with me‼️Thank you @JLaurinaitis55 for the invite‼️@LincolntonFB @ryandaytime @CoachMcGrath22 @jchorba16 pic.twitter.com/YFEozkH8cj
— Jalaythan Mayfield (@JMayfield9145) June 5, 2025

Based on the 247 Sports composite rankings, Mayfield is the No. 10 linebacker and the fifth-highest rated North Carolina prospect in the 2027 recruiting class.

Additionally, Mayfield, who stands at 6-foot-1 and weighs 215 pounds, is the No. 166 overall recruit in the class.

According to 247 Sports , the linebacker has received offers from 19 schools, including the Alabama Crimson Tide, Georgia Bulldogs, Michigan Wolverines and USC Trojans.

Mayfield has two more seasons remaining at Lincolnton High School in North Carolina.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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