Top 3 landing spots for Riley Pettijohn if he decommits from Ohio State ft. Texas

By Maliha

Modified Aug 15, 2024 12:45 GMT

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Five-star linebacker Riley Pettijohn, from McKinney High School in Texas, is one of the most emerging players in the 2025 class. He is the son of former Syracuse All-American defensive lineman Duke Pettijohn.

Pettijohn started his high school career as a safety before transitioning to linebacker ahead of the 2022 season. This move has proven to be a game-changer, as he recorded an impressive 125 tackles, one interception, eight tackles for loss, three sacks and five pass breakups during his junior season.

The 6-foot-1.5, 215-pound Pettijohn is ranked as the No. 43 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 2 linebacker in the 2025 class and the No. 11 recruit in Texas, according to On3.

Pettijohn committed to Ohio State a month ago, but given the unpredictable nature of recruitment, some analysts believe that he might flip from the Buckeyes. Let's see which three programs have the best potential to snatch away this blue-chip prospect's pledge.

Top 3 programs leading the race for Riley Pettijohn's potential commitment

#3. USC

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, USC still has a 1.5% chance of securing Riley Pettijohn's commitment. He has completed three unofficial visits to the program and an official visit on June 6.

The Trojans’ 2025 recruiting class is ranked No. 16 in the nation, an improvement from their previous ranking of No. 18. The class features several blue-chip prospects, including quarterback Julian Lewis, linebacker Matai Tagoa'i, safety Kendarius Reddick, cornerback Trestin Castro and linebacker Jadon Perlotte.

This promising class can be a big draw for Pettijohn. Besides that, the chance of playing under coach Lincoln Riley, who is known for developing NFL-caliber talent, can also sway him toward the West Coast.

#2. Texas A&M

As a Texas native, Riley Pettijohn has long been on the radar of Texas A&M. Pettijohn’s skill set was also projected to align well with the electric style of play that linebacker Taurean York brings to the Aggies' defense.

Texas A&M’s 2025 recruiting class is ranked No. 7 in the nation and No. 5 in the SEC, with 20 prospects already committed. The class is headlined by blue-chip prospects such as quarterback Husan Longstreet, cornerback Adonyss Currie and defensive lineman DJ Sanders.

The linebacker group is extremely strong, with commitments from Noah Mikhail and Kelvion Riggins. Adding Riley Pettijohn to this class will give the Aggies one of the most formidable linebacker units in the country.

#1. Texas

The Texas Longhorns are the most likely destination for Riley Pettijohn if he decommits from Ohio State. Before he committed to the Buckeyes, many recruiting analysts, including Gerry Hamilton of On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine, pegged Texas as the favorite to land his commitment.

Pettijohn was seen as a Texas lean, with a 93.2% confidence rating, before he ultimately chose Ohio State. The Longhorns still have a strong chance to flip his commitment, with a 60.8% probability, according to On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.

Riiley Pettijohn officially visited Texas in June, while also making an unofficial visit for the Longhorns' spring game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in April.

The Longhorns' 2025 recruiting class is ranked No. 13 in the nation and No. 7 in the SEC, with 17 players committed. The class already boasts commitments from four-star linebacker Elijah Barnes and three-star linebacker Jonathan Cunningham.