Top Recruiting Story of the Year: Best 5-Star QB Makes Shocking Decision, Commits To Ohio State Over Alabama
In a stunning twist that sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting landscape, the nation’s top-rated five-star quarterback, Jaxon Mitchell, has committed to Ohio State, turning down powerhouse Alabama in a move few saw coming. Mitchell announced his decision Friday evening via a live-streamed event on social media, donning the iconic scarlet and gray Buckeyes cap to the surprise of fans and analysts alike.
Mitchell, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound standout from Austin, Texas, had long been considered a heavy Alabama lean throughout his recruitment. Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb had made Mitchell their top priority, with many insiders expecting the quarterback to follow in the footsteps of recent Bama greats like Bryce Young and Tua Tagovailoa.
Instead, Mitchell chose to take his talents to Columbus, citing Ohio State’s quarterback development and offensive system under head coach Ryan Day as key factors in his decision.
“This was the hardest decision of my life,” Mitchell said during his announcement. “Alabama is an incredible program, and I have nothing but respect for Coach DeBoer. But at the end of the day, I feel like Ohio State is the best place for me to grow as a player and person. Coach Day’s offense is built for quarterbacks like me.”
Mitchell’s commitment is a massive victory for Ohio State, which has developed a reputation as “QBU” in recent years. With names like Justin Fields, C.J. Stroud, and Kyle McCord coming through the program, the Buckeyes have become a consistent producer of NFL-caliber quarterbacks.
Recruiting experts called Mitchell’s decision the biggest shock of the 2025 cycle so far.
“This is a bombshell,” said 247Sports analyst Steve Wiltfong. “Ohio State went head-to-head with Alabama and came out on top for the No. 1 quarterback in the nation. That doesn’t happen often.”
Mitchell is ranked as the No. 1 overall player in the 2025 class by several recruiting services and has drawn comparisons to Patrick Mahomes for his arm talent and improvisational ability. His junior year saw him throw for over 4,000 yards and 48 touchdowns, leading Westlake High to a state championship.
With Mitchell’s pledge, Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class jumps to No. 2 nationally, just behind Georgia. Meanwhile, Alabama fans are left stunned as the Crimson Tide regroup and look to their backup options at the quarterback position.
For now, all eyes turn to Columbus, where Ryan Day just landed his next potential star.