In a move reminiscent of 2017, The Ohio State University is once again securing some of the best Texas talent. Back in 2017, the Buckeyes landed top recruits Jeff Okudah and Baron Browning, two highly sought-after players from Texas. Fast forward to 2025, and the Buckeyes are poised to repeat this success with commitments from five-star cornerback Devin Sanchez and linebacker Riley Pettijohn.
“My senior year is going to be the best because I have evolved my game,” said Sanchez. “I fully understand my role and how that plays into our defense. I think that is what sets me apart from everyone else. I am in full command of my technique and what I can do as a player on the field.”
Sanchez, a top-rated cornerback and one of the standout prospects in the 2025 class, has officially committed to The Ohio State University. Despite heavy interest from programs like Alabama and Texas A&M, Sanchez ultimately chose to join the Buckeyes. His decision adds significant talent to Ohio State’s recruiting class, which now includes two of the three five-star cornerbacks available in the 2025 class, as reported by major recruiting websites.
“Coach Walton and I have built a good relationship because we talk more than ball,” said Sanchez. “Coach Walton knows what is important to me because it’s also important to him; family. He knows me as a person and not just a player.”
Standing tall at 6-foot-3 with a wingspan of 6’5.25, Sanchez combines size with exceptional agility, making him a dominant presence on the field. His length and closing ability make him effective both near the line of scrimmage and downfield. With his recruitment process now behind him, Sanchez is focused on honing his skills and elevating his game.
Sanchez and his team, the North Shore Mustangs, closed last season with a 15-1 record, falling short 33-49 in the 6A Division I UIL state championship game at AT&T Stadium against Duncanville High School.
“I learned that everything is earned from last year’s loss. I learned that the expectations at North Shore are different and the standards are extremely high. We don’t accept losing. We are working to get back to Dallas and bring back that state trophy to the Eastside,” said Sanchez.
As he gears up to showcase his talents at Ohio State, Sanchez is expected to have an immediate impact and contribute to the Buckeyes’ tradition of excellence in the secondary.
“I am coming for that #1 spot in Columbus,” said Sanchez. “I want to be the first guy to have his black stripe removed in the 25 class. I can’t wait to get to Ohio State, but I know I have to finish things here at North Shore. We have to win district, win Region III, and beat that team up north to win state. That’s my focus right now.”
With standout commitments like Sanchez and Pettijohn, Ohio State once again proves its prowess in attracting top-tier talent from Texas, solidifying its status as a premier destination for high school football stars.
About Devin Sanchez:
Class: 2025
IG: @iimdevin_
Twitter: @Devin2416
Position: Cornerback
Height & weight: 6-feet-3, 185 pounds
Favorite artist: Rio Da Yung Og
Status: Committed to Ohio State University
Favorite subject: Math
Shout-outs: My parents, brother Dylan, sister Danni, my grandparents, aunts, uncles, North Shore brothers and coaches, and #THE25 Buckeye brothers.