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Could Deion Sanders' charisma be the secret weapon in flipping top recruits like London Merritt?

With college football recruiting, a commitment shouldn’t be said to be sealed until pen meets paper on signing day. Ohio State fans must be feeling the sting of that uncertainty as their prized March commitment, four-star edge rusher London Merritt, may be rethinking his decision. We have sung this song before, named ‘Curtis Isn’t Your Dawg’. But this one’s a head-turner. It’s not about Merritt. It’s about potentially watching him flip on a program known for big personalities and even bigger hype.

Could you make a guess? It’s London Merritt ranked No. 21 among EDGE rushers in the class of 2025. The defensive dynamo from Atlanta initially chose Ohio State over heavyweights like Alabama, Clemson, and Florida. It wasn’t a light decision. The 6-foot-2, 255-pound Merritt is sought after for his explosive power and ability to disrupt offenses. On November 11, On3’s Steve Wiltfong brought the latest juice on On3 Recruits, saying, “Colorado is the biggest threat to flip Merritt from Ohio State.” With regards to the season the Buffs are having, it’s a no-brainer he wants a piece of Deion Sanders. As Wiltfong added, “They [Buffs] had him on campus; had a great visit, sees an opportunity to be an early contributor. And the way Colorado is playing this year I think it’s very exciting.” 

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The weekend’s visit to Boulder must’ve had Merritt and his family feel a bit Black and Gold. Now, the possibility of early playing time and a bold new atmosphere can be a reality. When you make a 41-27 victory and improve 7-2 with all the glamour of the CFB world, you have the power to flip recruits, just like how a pancake is turned on the other side. The Buffs’ have made their doubters scratch throw a fit with the position they are in now.

Well, Deion Sanders & Co. weren’t in the conversation when Merritt committed to the Buckeyes. Just like how they weren’t in contention for the championship. How the turntables. Steve Wiltfong shared that the visit showed London Merritt and his family the exciting possibilities of becoming part of something transformational. It’s easy to see why a program that’s built up significant momentum this season would appeal to him.

What could Ohio State miss if they break with London Merritt

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Could Deion Sanders' charisma be the secret weapon in flipping top recruits like London Merritt?

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This might hurt Ryan Day more than a breakup. Merritt almost committed to Columbus before his official visit, and he even practiced with the team during the spring. “I wanted to choose a program that mirrors my hunger and pursuit for greatness & Ohio State is the perfect place for me!” this is what Merritt told On3. The Buckeyes HC himself stopped by Merritt’s school to assure the elite defensive end that he’s a priority at Columbus. He even developed a personal relationship with OSU defensive line coach Larry Johnson, and it was going all smoothly until Colorado stepped in.

At that time he ranked as the No. 3 edge rusher and the No. 21 player in Florida, as per On3 industry rankings. He ended his junior season with 31 total tackles, four tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hurries, and five sacks. And transferred from Woodward Academy to IMG Academy for his senior season. If Merritt ultimately decides to switch allegiances, Ohio State fans might have to adjust to the idea of seeing him shine in a different uniform—and in a different conference. Which might be black and gold. For now, Buckeye nation hopes and prays.

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