Alabama Shocks Ohio State by Snagging Top Recruit Justin Hill
When Kalen DeBoer became Alabama’s head coach in January, many doubted his ability to recruit in the competitive SEC, given his previous experience at Washington in the West. However, DeBoer has quickly adapted, extending his recruiting reach even into the Midwest, traditionally dominated by Ohio State.
Justin Hill Chooses Alabama Over Ohio State
On Wednesday, Justin Hill, a highly sought-after edge rusher from Cincinnati, Ohio, committed to the Crimson Tide, surprising many who expected him to choose Ohio State. Hill, who also had offers from Oregon and USC, is ranked by 247Sports as the seventh-best edge rusher and the 60th overall player in the 2025 class.
Ohio State was considered the frontrunner for the 6-foot-3, 220-pound Hill, with many predictions pointing to him joining the Buckeyes. However, in a last-minute twist, the forecasts shifted towards Alabama just hours before his commitment.
Jerry Birmingham noted that Hill had been a top priority for Ohio State for the past two years, making his decision to join Alabama particularly painful for the Buckeyes.
DeBoer’s successful recruitment of Hill signals his arrival in the South’s recruiting scene, proving that he and the Crimson Tide will be formidable competitors in future recruiting battles.
Leave a Reply