Ohio State trending for On300 4-star DL Trajen Odom

Last week, Matthews (N.C.) Weddington four-star defensive lineman Trajen Odom locked in his commitment date for June 28. A few weeks before that, he named his top six schools: USC, Ohio State, Oregon, Colorado, Georgia and UCLA.

A little more than a week out from his decision, he told On3’s Chad Simmons he was leaning toward two schools out of that group.

“I’m really close. I don’t have a for sure idea, but there’s really three total out of the six that are really standing out to me. I’m really only leaning toward two of the schools. Going on visits, I thought I was for sure, but going to other schools has just made it harder for me,” Odom told Simmons.

Roughly 48 hours from decision day though, the Buckeyes look to be the team to beat. On Wednesday, both Simmons and On3’s Steve Wiltfong logged expert predictions in Ohio State’s favor to land Odom.

That places the Buckeyes as the heavy favorites in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) to win out for him in two days.

Development plan in Columbus is key for Odom

The 6-foot-4, 285-pounder took official visits to Oregon, UCLA, USC and Ohio State. And while the three West Coast schools have given him a lot to think about, he’s very high on the development of defensive linemen in Columbus.

“My experience was great being around all the coaches and players,” Odom told Wiltfong after his official visit. “They have a great program and great talent on both sides of the ball, and have a strong team and chance to win the championship. 

… The plan they have for me if I go also excites me.”

Odom is the No. 300 overall prospect and No. 24 DL in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

On3 ranks him much higher than other recruiting services, as he checks in at No. 138 overall and is the No. 13 DL in the 2025 On300.