Kayden McDonald commits to Ohio State

Kayden McDonald took his time with the recruiting process. He started picking up offers early, he has taken many visits and he has decided Ohio State is the school for him.

The No. 299 prospect in the On3 Consensus took an official visit to Florida in June. He visited Clemson, Michigan, Ohio State and Oklahoma in the fall. The Buckeyes won out over another Big Ten program.

“It was a tough decision, but Ohio State is the school,” McDonald told On3. “It came down to Ohio State and Michigan. My relationship with Larry Johnson pushed the Buckeyes to the top. I see coach Johnson and Ryan Day not only as coaches, but mentors. They will push me, help me, and develop me on and off the field.”

When he made the call Sunday, it got a little emotional.

“When I called to commit to Ohio State, they were in a staff meeting. I was on Facetime with the entire staff. There was so much excitement when I told them. Coaches were screaming, there were some tears and it was a great feeling.

“I am blessed to be in this position and I get to go to Ohio State. There was no feeling like when I committed to the Ohio State coaches.”

McDonald is Ohio State’s 21st commitment. The Buckeyes are No. 4 in the 2023 Team Rankings.

Larry Johnson was a major factor for McDonald

McDonald spoke very highly of Jesse Minter, Michigan’s defensive coordinator. He had high praise for Brent Venables and coaches at Clemson and Florida too, but Johnson put Ohio State on another level.

“I have spoken with a lot of players that played for coach Johnson or knows coach Johnson, and all talked about the kind of guy he is. Not only is he a coach who develops players, but he is a mention, he is a coach that cares about his players and that is what makes him different.

“Coach Johnson being at Ohio State helped them a lot. He showed me he wanted me. I know he wants to coach me. He can really take my game to another level and help me be a better person. Coach Johnson was a big factor.”

McDonald feels at home at Ohio State

The 6-foot-2, 325-pound defensive lineman in Suwanee (Ga.) North Gwinnett is headed to play college football in Columbus. Some felt McDonald would stay close to home and go to Clemson. He has family not far from Oklahoma. He took it all in and followed his heart.

“I felt best at Ohio State,” McDonald said. “I just feel like I am at home there. Columbus is a nice place and it is the best place for me. I visited twice, the staff always has made me feel comfortable and it has the home feeling for me up there.”

Ohio State jumped in the race for McDonald early. The Buckeyes offered in September of 2021 and they never let up once the offer was presented.

“Ohio State has been recruiting hard me for a long time. They showed loyalty to me. The coaches never slowed down with me and I felt wanted by them. It was so consistent and my relationships are strong with Ohio State. I feel great about my decision.

“I will get to play for great coaches, live in a great city, be around great players and get a great education at Ohio State. Getting to go play with Jordan Hancock, my former teammate, is cool too.”