Signed: Eli Lee is another physical, downhill linebacker for the Buckeyes
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 2025 commitments officially join the Ohio State football program. The latest Letter of Intent is in: Eli Lee has signed with the Buckeyes.
COLUMBUS — Ohio State has a long list of in-state linebackers that have gone on to have successful careers in Columbus and the Buckeyes have another talented in-state ‘backer coming in the 2025 class. Three-star LB Eli Lee has now signed his Letter of Intent to Ohio State and is officially a Buckeye.
What does it mean for the Buckeyes? Let’s check it out.
Who is Eli Lee?
Eli Lee is a three-star linebacker from Akron, Ohio. He attended Archbishop Hoban School High School. He committed to the Buckeyes on Oct. 25, 2024 over offers from Iowa State, Kentucky and West Virginia. Lee was an important recruiting win for first-year linebackers coach James Laurinaitis while he was an analyst.
On3 Industry Rankings: No. 614 overall, No. 67 LB, No. 23 in Ohio
On3 Ranking: No. 96 LB and No. 50 in Ohio
Hometown: Akron, Ohio
High School: Archbishop Hoban
Eli Lee is an old-school thumper at the linebacker position. The 6-foot-2.5 and 225-pound Lee is at his best when he is playing downhill in the run game. He is not a bad athlete, however. Lee has put up some impressive times and measurements at offseason camps in 2024. Overall, Lee has the tools to be a stallworth at the middle linebacker position for the Buckeyes.
Lee is the third linebacker commitment for Ohio State in the 2025 class. The Buckeyes have perhaps the best linebacker class in the country with Lee, TJ Alford and Riley Pettijohn.
How did Lee end up at Ohio State?
Eli Lee caught the eye of the Ohio State coaching staff at a camp in the summer of 2023. The Buckeyes evaluated his junior film before deciding to offer the in-state standout on Oct. 4, 2023.
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Three weeks later, Lee committed to the Buckeyes and fulfilled his lifelong dream of playing for Ohio State.
“I’ve really just grown up watching Ohio State and I’ve been a fan since forever,” Lee told Lettermen Row. “That’s just been my college football team, it’s close to home and I love the coaching staff.
“I love the team, I love all the coaches. Everything about the environment of Ohio State is just awesome.”
Lee will be an early enrollee and on campus in January to take part in spring practices at Ohio State.
