Standout linebacker Elijah Barnes talks Ohio State visit

Ohio State played host to over 25 prospects this weekend, including a number of talented players that came to Columbus from all over the country.

Elijah Barnes, a 2025 linebacker from Dallas (TX) Skyline, was one of the many who made the trip in, and spoke to Lettermen Row about his visit on Sunday upon its conclusion.

“It went great,” Barnes said. “I got to check out campus, look at downtown a little bit, watched film, attended practice, and saw The Horseshoe.”

Taking in Ohio State’s scrimmage on Saturday morning was impressive to the Lone Star State native.

“Practice was great,” he shared. “They were getting after it. It was great competition and great intensity. The linebackers looked ready to go get after it.”

Barnes also got to spend time with the coaching staff while in town.

“I talked to Coach Day, Coach Knowles, and Coach Laurinaitis,” he said. “Their message to me was that they want me and they feel like I will be a great fit in their defense. They said I am a great player and that I am someone that they need, things like that.”

Ohio State recently cracked the top 10 for the 6-foot-2, 215-pounder alongside Texas, USC, LSU, Florida, Texas A&M, SMU, Alabama, Oregon, and Nebraska. Where do the Buckeyes stand following this trip?

“No school is really on top,” Barnes explained. “I’m still taking my visits, seeing what I like and things like that. Ohio State is a great school surrounded by great people. You are coached by the best and will be developed there, I will say that.”

Barnes has not yet locked in an official visit date to OSU, but did say “most definitely” when asked if he will take one to Columbus, needing to look at dates upon his return home to figure out his schedule.

Ranked as a 4-star prospect, Barnes is the No. 109 overall player, No. 14 linebacker, and No. 19 in Texas per the On3 Industry Rankings. His Recruiting Prediction Machine percentage favors the home state Longhorns heavily, with two On3 analyst picks in for UT to keep Barnes home.

DISCUSS THE LATEST IN OHIO STATE’S PURSUIT OF BARNES ON THE LETTERMEN LOUNGE

The post Standout linebacker Elijah Barnes talks Ohio State visit appeared first on On3.