COLUMBUS — Ohio State added another Ohio prospect to its 2027 recruiting class Thursday when three-star linebacker James Conrad of Cleveland St. Ignatius announced he was switching his commitment from Buffalo to the Buckeyes.
The decision came less than a week after Conrad visited Columbus for Ohio State's 45-16 victory over Maryland on October 10. The Buckeyes offered him a scholarship following the visit, and Conrad decided to change his commitment after previously pledging to Buffalo on June 14.
Listed at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, Conrad is ranked No. 992 nationally and No. 84 among linebackers in the 247Sports Composite rankings. His other scholarship offers included Toledo, Kent State, Bowling Green, Marshall, UConn, and Youngstown State.
During his junior season at St. Ignatius, Conrad recorded 23 tackles, five tackles for loss, and two sacks. His development during his senior year helped attract Ohio State's attention, ultimately giving him an opportunity to join one of college football's premier programs.
Conrad is also a member of the St. Ignatius track and field team, where he has recorded personal bests of 49 feet, 6.5 inches in the shot put and 209 feet, 1 inch in the discus.
The commitment gives linebackers coach James Laurinaitis three prospects at the position in Ohio State's 2027 class. Conrad joins four-star linebackers Prince Goldsby and Quinton Cypher, adding another option for a unit that could return several experienced players next season.
Conrad becomes the Buckeyes' 20th commitment in the 2027 recruiting cycle, strengthening a class that continues to feature several Ohio prospects.
With Ohio State already holding commitments from two highly regarded linebackers, Conrad will have an opportunity to develop within the program while competing for a role on defense and special teams.
