In the bustling arena of college football recruiting, decisions aren’t just milestones—they’re legacies in the making. For Bellflower’s St. John Bosco program, saying goodbye to a talent like Epi Sitanilei is akin to sending a star performer on tour, knowing the world is about to see what made them special back home. As Ohio State lands the 6-foot-4, 220-pound four-star EDGE, Bosco Football’s heartfelt Instagram post, “Go Be Great!”—paints a picture of pride, nostalgia, and excitement for what’s ahead.

His high school side post with a wonderful happy face Bucks commit, read, “Congratulations to ‘25 Epi Sitanilei on his commitment to ‘THE’ Ohio State University! Columbus is getting one phenomenal young man. Go Be Great! #DestinationBosco #EliteProspect.” The Cali native’s connection with Ohio State isn’t a fleeting romance; it’s a story years in the making. The Buckeyes first noticed him during his freshman year while scouting Oregon edge rusher Uiagalelei. Though just a freshman at the time, Epi Sitanilei caught the discerning eye of Larry Johnson, Buckeyes’ associate head coach and D-line coach. “He seemed interested,” Sitanilei recalled, a spark that would reignite during his junior year at an Ohio State camp where he “got great work in.” That camp laid the groundwork for what became a full-circle moment.

Originally committed to UCLA, Epi Sitanilei flipped to Ohio State ahead of the early signing period. His journey wasn’t without drama—Ohio State faced de-commitments from four-star defensive ends: Zahir Mathis and London Merritt, leaving the Buckeyes scrambling for reinforcements. Enter Sitanilei, a player whose combination of skill, work ethic, and faith resonated deeply with Ryan Day and his staff. Reflecting on his decision, Sitanilei told On3, “The official visit definitely made an impact on me… the immense faith that the coaches have was the icing on the cake for me and my family.”

For Ohio State, landing Sitanilei is about more than just filling a gap—it’s about securing a player who embodies resilience and potential. Over his high school career, He has showcased a relentless motor and elite athleticism, making him one of California’s premier defensive prospects. His flip from UCLA underscores the magnetic pull of Ohio State’s storied program, even in a recruiting cycle rife with competition.

And now he can’t wait to get wait to take on the field for Ryan Day side, sitting pretty and at a very lucky spot in the CFP poll, just escaping the Columbus wraith.

Epi Sitanilei is pumped to don the Ohio State Scarlet, White and Gray

The No. 21 player in California, Sitanilei, recently had his eyes opened by what Ohio State brings to the table—and let’s just say he was majorly impressed. It wasn’t just the Buckeyes’ top-tier program that caught his attention (though, come on, who wouldn’t be dazzled by their success?). It was the brotherhood among the players and the electric atmosphere in Columbus that really sold him. You could practically hear the crackle of excitement in the air.

What sealed the deal? The chance to work with legendary defensive line coach Larry Johnson. For Sitanilei, Johnson’s “faith in God” struck a chord, adding a deeper connection to the mentorship he could receive. And when it comes to EDGE rushers, Johnson’s track record is as sweet as a perfectly baked pie. “The proof is in the pudding when it comes to what coach Larry Johnson can do with an EDGE rusher,” Sitanilei said, highlighting the coach’s ability to churn out NFL-caliber talent.

Ranked No. 243 overall and the No. 28 EDGE in the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking.