Ohio State is not done adding defensive linemen to its 2025 recruiting class.
Florida four-star defensive lineman Jarquez Carter announced his commitment to Ohio State Thursday, picking the Buckeyes over programs such as Miami, Central Florida and Penn State.
Carter is one of six defensive linemen in Larry Johnson’s 2025 defensive line class along with Trajen Odom, Zion Grady, Maxwell Roy, London Merritt and Zahir Mathis.
Carter, out of Newberry, Florida, outside of Gainesville, is the No. 395 player in the 2025 class per 247Sports’ composite rankings. He is the No. 42 defensive lineman in the country.
In 2023, Carter had 67 tackles and 37 tackles-for-loss for Newberry High School, per MaxPreps. He also had nine sacks and 15 hurries.
Carter reported an Ohio State offer Nov. 19. he later held an official visit with the Buckeyes June 19-21.
Carter is Ohio State’s third Florida commit in the 2025 class, joining Merritt and linebacker Tarvos Alford.
Jarquez Carter commitment analysis: What it means for Ohio State
Johnson is building a massive 2025 defensive line recruiting class.
Carter, the 6-foot-2, 284-pound defensive tackle, joins Odom and Roy as interior options for the Buckeyes’ defensive line, while Merritt will likely get reps inside depending on what Ohio State needs.
But in 2025, Johnson needs his share of bodies.
After the 2024 season, Ohio State is losing all four starters on its defensive line in Jack Sawyer, J.T. Tuimoloau, Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton. Four others will be NFL draft eligible: Caden Curry, Hero Kanu, Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Mitchell Melton.
Outside of the four starters, defensive line is a position without much experience, headlined by 2024 five-star Eddrick Houston.
Heading into 2025, Ohio State could have a number of combinations up front, something that has become the norm for Johnson defensive lines. Carter is a part of a growing youth movement that will try and follow players like Williams and Hamilton in the middle.
Get more Ohio State football news by listening to our podcasts
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Jarquez Carter, 2025 4-star DL, commits to Ohio State
The Columbus Dispatch
