An Ohio State defensive end target in the 2024 cycle is headed elsewhere.
Four-star Illinois defensive end Marquise Lightfoot committed to Miami on Monday, choosing the Hurricanes over the Buckeyes despite Ohio State being the favorite nationally in the recruiting industry up until the final hours of his commitment. Lightfoot's other finalists included Illinois, USC, Alabama and Georgia.
Per 247Sports' composite rankings, Lightfoot is considered the 67th-rated prospect in the 2024 class and the sixth-best edge rusher. Lightfoot took his official visit to OSU on June 9 and Miami received Lightfoot's last official visit on June 23.
Despite Lightfoot heading elsewhere, Ohio State still has plenty of momentum on the recruiting trail defensively. The Buckeyes landed the commitment of five-star defensive tackle Justin Scott on Sunday and are still in heavy pursuit of premier pass rushing targets. OSU is seen as the favorite in the recruiting industry to land five-star defensive linemen Eddrick Houston and Dylan Stewart, and are also still pursuing Nigel Smith, Jayden Jackson, D'antre Robinson and Arkansas defensive lineman commit Charleston Collins.
