Ohio State makes final three for coveted linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa
COLUMBUS — Ohio State already has two linebackers inside its 2024 recruiting class, but they aren’t done just yet.
Four-star Bellflower (Calif) St. John Bosco linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa announced his top five Friday afternoon and the Buckeyes made the cut.
USC and Notre Dame are also on the list.
Viliamu-Asa is the No. 10 linebacker and No. 114 overall prospect according to the On3 Industry Rankings. On3 has him as the No. 23 linebacker and No. 278 overall prospect.
So why these three programs?
Lettermen Row quickly breaks down the three contenders and where things are at heading into a major summer for the California linebacker.
Let’s dive in.
Ohio State
Ohio State and Viliamu-Asa have a unique relationship.
He was the first prospect the Buckeyes offered in the 2024 cycle, all the way back when Viliamu-Asa was a freshman.
Ohio State has undergone a number of coaching changes since then. Al Washington offered the 6-foot-3, 230-pound prospect. Even with the coaching turnover, Viliamu-Asa has maintained his relationship with the foundation of the program.
He and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles have a very strong relationship. His relationship with James Laurinaitis carried over from Notre Dame into Ohio State.
Viliamu-Asa scheduled his official visit locked in for the final weekend of June — which is significant for the Buckeyes.
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Notre Dame
This is where the Al Washington note becomes interesting.
Once he was fired by the Buckeyes, former Buckeye Marcus Freeman snatched him up and he’s been with the Irish ever since.
Viliamu-Asa already held the offer from Notre Dame, but the relationship intensified with Washington in South Bend.
The coveted linebacker is fresh off a recent visit to Notre Dame and his interest in the program remains just as high as ever.
For more about his standing with the Irish, check out Blue and Gold’s Mike Singer’s recent piece on Viliamu-Asa.
USC
Are the hometown Trojans the ones to beat?
Although the Irish lead in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, the Trojans and Viliamu-Asa know each other like the backs of their hands.
USC needs juice defensively — Alex Grinch is the defensive coordinator — and that is a selling point for the hometown program.
The Trojans get the first crack at an official visit too. He will visit the first weekend of June.
