4-star EDGE Epi Sitanilei flips to Ohio State from UCLA: ‘I cannot wait to be a Buckeye’

Ohio State first showed interest in Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco four-star EDGE Epi Sitanilei during his freshman year. He shared that Buckeyes associate head coach/defensive line coach Larry Johnson was there to recruit current Oregon EDGE Matayo Uiagalelei, but Sitanilei felt that Johnson “seemed interested” in what he had to offer as a player. 

Sitanilei eventually participated in an Ohio State camp during his junior year and “got great work in.” This is when his connection with the Buckeyes truly began. 

He originally committed to UCLA on June 30 over the Buckeyes, California and Utah, but head coach Ryan Day and his staff pushed to land him once again ahead of the Early Signing Period. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound pass rusher took an official visit to Columbus last weekend and has now flipped his pledge from the Bruins to Ohio State.  

“My official visit definitely made an impact on me,” Sitanilei told On3. “It was not only because of the great school, staff and program, but also the immense faith that the coaches have. That was pretty much the icing on the cake for me and my family.” 

Sitanilie is excited to play for Larry Johnson at Ohio State

The No. 21 player in California was impressed by Ohio State’s overall program, the brotherhood among its players and the atmosphere in Columbus. The chance to be mentored by Johnson, whose “faith in God” caught the attention of Sitanilei, made a large impact on him as well.

“The proof is in the pudding when it comes to what coach Larry Johnson can do with an EDGE rusher,” said Sitanilei, the No. 243 overall prospect and No. 28 EDGE in the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking. “He has plenty of them playing in the NFL and he has what it takes to develop me into who I want to become.” 

Representing Ohio State on the field excites Sitanilie

Sitanilei called his decision “a tough one to make.” He felt a family-like bond with the coaches at UCLA, but believes God led him to Ohio State and that he will succeed while playing for the Buckeyes. 

The four-star likes that the Big Ten program will offer him the opportunity to grow outside of his comfort zone and give him a large platform to express his faith. He is looking forward to playing at Ohio Stadium on Saturdays in the near future.

“That atmosphere in Ohio is no joke,” Sitanilei said. “I cannot wait to hear that crowd as I wear that jersey proudly on the field. I can’t wait to set the example and I cannot wait to be a Buckeye.” 

Playing for Ohio State is also significant to Sitanilei for another reason. 

“To be the first Tongan-rooted player in Ohio State history is definitely a way that I can show my pride in my culture,” Sitanilei said. “I take a lot of pride in my heritage, so to be the first of many Tongans to come is definitely a big reason why I chose Ohio State.”