Crimson Tide brings top talent to his home state
By Josh Batchelor, WVUA 23 digital reporter
Alabama and Ohio State have crossed paths several times in the 2025 elite talent cycle, with both teams outperforming each other in the battle for elite national talent.
The Crimson Tide has had Ohio State under their belt for the past month, and Wednesday, July 3, was no exception when four-star fullback Justin Hill chose the Crimson Tide over the in-state Buckeyes on the On3 Recruits YouTube channel.
Hill is widely considered a top-50 prospect for the class of 2025. According to On3’s industry rankings, Hill is the No. 48 overall player, one of the top six edge rushers and the fourth-best player from Ohio.
Since Kalen DeBoer arrived in Tuscaloosa in mid-January, it has been a back-and-forth between the two top-ranked 2025 recruiting classes. Hill, along with Alabama newcomers Michael Carroll and Kaleb Edwards, attended the captains’ induction ceremony at Denny Chimes and spoke with coach Saban and coach DeBoer.
Hill made his official visit to Alabama from June 14-16 and caused a stir on social media by singing Lil Baby’s “Freestyle” in the locker room with numerous Alabama players.
Four-star offensive linemen Micah DeBose and Jackson Lloyd committed to Alabama over the Buckeyes in June. Ohio State is still trying to poach Alabama players like running back Anthony Rogers and linebacker Jaeden Harmon.
While Alabama just took a player from Ohio State away from the Buckeyes, Ohio State has signed two top Alabama prospects. Five-star Naeem Offord and four-star fullback Zion Grady, a former Alabama player, are currently members of Ohio State’s class of 2025.
Hill is the 22nd addition to Alabama’s class of 2025 and the second outside linebacker. Dawson Merritt had committed seven days earlier. Outside linebacker coach Christian Robinson was very active in recruiting and was able to achieve his two main goals with Merritt and Hill.
Alabama will continue to compete with the Buckeyes for the No. 1-ranked 2025 recruiting class through signing days in December and February.
