Signed: Buckeyes add physical linebacker Payton Pierce to the program
The Early-Signing Period is here and Ohio State is set to once again bring in one of the country’s best recruiting classes. Lettermen Row is tracking the Buckeyes recruiting news throughout the signing period as 2024 commitments officially join the Ohio State football program. The latest Letter of Intent is in: Payton Pierce has signed with the Buckeyes.
COLUMBUS — Ohio State has a proud tradition when it comes to linebackers. Whether they’re from the Buckeye State or somewhere else in the country, there’s a certain attitude that comes with being an Ohio State linebacker.
Payton Pierce fits that mold. So when he committed to Ohio State in April, it wasn’t a shock, but it was a great addition to a great class.
Pierce has made that verbal commitment official and has signed his letter of intent with the Buckeyes. But what does it mean moving forward?
Lettermen Row breaks it down.
Who is Payton Pierce?
Payton Pierce is a four-star linebacker from Lucas, Texas, just outside of the Dallas-Fort Worth area in the Lone Star State. Pierce played his high school ball at Lovejoy where he enjoyed a successful career with plenty of accolades.
The 6-foot-2, 215-pound linebacker committed to Ohio State over Notre Dame, Texas, Oklahoma and a long list of suitors.
Pierce is one of two linebackers in the Buckeyes’ 2024 class. He joins Garrett Stover in the haul for Ohio State.
On3 Industry Rankings: No. 237 overall, No. 18 LB, No. 42 Texas
On3 Ranking: UR overall, No. 54 LB, No. 119 Texas
Hometown: Lucas, Texas
High School: Lovejoy High School
How did Pierce end up at Ohio State?
It all started when Ohio State head coach Ryan Day hired James Laurinaitis away from Notre Dame in January.
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Pierce looked like an Irish lock because of Laurinaitis, but when the move back to Columbus was made, many expected the Buckeyes to enter the picture.
Sure enough, Ohio State quickly got involved in the recruitment and offered him a scholarship before he could even step off the wrestling mat.
A few months after that, Pierce made his debut visit to Columbus. He spent extended time with Day, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and of course Laurinaitis. He wanted to commit during that visit but took his time.
Eventually, a month later, he chose the Buckeyes.
“I want to be the very best on the biggest stage so I believe Ohio State is the place for that,” he told On3. “I feel like this place can not only develop me as the best player but the best man I can be with the staff they have.”
Pierce will be on campus in January as an early enrollee with the expectation to make some noise and compete during the off-season.
