OFFICIAL: 4-Star LB Payton Pierce Signs with Ohio State Buckeyes

Payton Pierce has signed his letter of intent, adding to the load of defensive talent the Ohio State Buckeyes have secured already during early signing day.

The Ohio State Buckeyes have secured yet another defensive weapon during early signing day.

Four-star linebacker Payton Pierce signed his letter of intent with the Buckeyes on Wednesday, bringing a potential replacement for some key players to Columbus.

Pierce was a highly sought-after recruit for several teams including Ohio State. Some of the other contenders for Pierce were Texas, Notre Dame and Oklahoma.

Pierce's signing comes at a great time for the Buckeyes as they look to replace senior linebackers Steele Chambers and Tommy Eichenberg. Chambers and Eichenberg have been an invaluable pair of stars for Ohio State in the middle of the secondary over their time in college, and will be missed next year and beyond.

Senior linebacker Cody Simon has been getting reps alongside Chambers and Eichenberg this season, setting himself up to be one of the two players who could fill one of their spots in the coming season. Last week, Simon announced he would forgo the 2024 NFL Draft and return to the Buckeyes for his final year of eligibility.

Simon could be a valuable mentor for Pierce as he begins to find his footing in the college game. With almost twenty pounds and half an inch separating them, Simon could be the perfect teacher for the 6-foot-1.5, 215-pound Pierce.

Even though at least one of the starting linebacker positions appears to be up for grabs with no clear taker, Pierce will still have to give his best during spring training camp to show he is ready for the spotlight that comes with playing for Ohio State.