An Ohio class IV semifinal game, at right tackle scoring first on anything less than massive: so massive he used quick feet to obstruct any potential counters from the defenders to big gains by the running backs. With the vehicle of Taft running power lined right there at the formation, it would take control for the center of the offensive line, for a 12-3 record. Performances like this seldom go unnoticed; offers for attending came sooner than later. But it's not just his size that's got everyone talking; it's his potential to be a game-changer, and yeah, his growing love affair with Ohio State. Let's dive into who this young stud is, where he's at right now, and why the Buckeyes seem like his destiny.
From Taft to Moeller: Building a Legacy in the Queen City
Kalel Johnson's journey started a couple of years back at Cincinnati's Taft High School, where he burst onto the scene as a sophomore. An Ohio class IV semifinals, at right tackle number one on anything but massive: being so big, he dominated with his quick feet to obstruct any counter of defenders against a big gain by the running backs. Being right there at the formation, his running power would control the center of the offensive line for Taft at a 12-3 record. A performance like that seldom goes unnoticed, so the offers started coming in shortly.
But Kalel, ever the ambitious type, decided he wanted more competition. Last year, he transferred to Archbishop Moeller, one of Ohio's powerhouse programs known for churning out college stars. Moeller's a place where tradition meets talent, and Johnson fit right in. His new coaches rave about his discipline—those hands strike like pistons, and he's got the athleticism to match his size. As a rising junior in the class of 2027, he's ranked as the No. 18 offensive tackle nationally, No. 204 overall, and—get this—the No. 5 player in the state of Ohio by 247Sports. Four-star status? Check. Top-20 at his position? Absolutely. This kid's not just playing the game; he's rewriting the script for what a Buckeye blocker could be.
Off the field, Kalel's got that grounded vibe. He carries a 3.5 GPA, and he's not shy about his inspirations—recently, he bumped into former Ohio State All-American Paris Johnson Jr. (another Cincinnati giant) at Findlay Market. Kalel posted about it on X, calling Paris a role model and dreaming of following in his footsteps. Moments like that? They hit different when you're from the same city chasing the same dreams.
The Recruiting Rollercoaster: Offers, Camps, and Crystal Balls
Recruiting for a guy like Kalel is like a non-stop whirlwind, and 2025 has been his year to shine. Ohio State kicked things off in April 2024 with an official scholarship offer, and since then, the Buckeyes have been all over him. He's camped in Columbus multiple times, including a standout session in June where he went toe-to-toe with top defenders and impressed the staff. Videos from those camps show him pancaking opponents with ease—pure power and technique that screams future NFL draft pick.
But Ohio State is not the only university knocking on the door. Kalel's offer list looks like the elite of college football: Tennessee, Penn State, Clemson, Notre Dame, Kentucky, Boston College, Toledo, Miami (OH), Purdue, Wisconsin, and others-so many that nearly 20 in all from the Power Five. He's been on the road hard this fall, lining up game-day visits to Tennessee, Penn State, and of course, Ohio State. Just last weekend, he was at Indiana, where the electric atmosphere left him buzzing about the Hoosiers. And earlier this summer, he swung by Clemson to chat with Dabo Swinney himself. The kid's living the dream, soaking it all in while keeping his options open.
Still, the momentum points one way. Back in July, the recruiting gods smiled on the Buckeyes with not one, but *two* Crystal Ball predictions landing in Ohio State's favor—one from 247Sports' Bill Kurelic and another from On3's Greg Smith, pegging OSU's chances at a whopping 99%. Analysts are calling the Buckeyes the "team to beat," especially with Kalel's multiple trips to Columbus and the in-state pull. As one insider put it, "Ohio State has received their 2nd Crystal Ball to land Kalel Johnson... ON3 giving OSU a 99% chance." If that doesn't scream frontrunner, I don't know what does.
Why Ohio State? The Pull of Home and Horseshoe Magic
So, what's got Kalel so hooked on the Buckeyes? For starters, it's home. Growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio State's always loomed large—like that big brother everyone wants to impress. He's talked glowingly about the program's culture, the way they develop linemen into pros (hello, Paris Johnson Jr. again), and the energy of those campus visits. When he got that offer after chatting with offensive line coach Tyler Bowen, he called it a blessing from the "National Champions." And with Ohio State trending for multiple in-state tackles in the 2027 class, Kalel could be part of a homegrown O-line renaissance.
Don't get me wrong—there's real competition. Tennessee's got that SEC swagger, Penn State's building a monster line, and Clemson's always a threat. But insiders like Greg Smith note that while others are chasing, "Ohio State’s position with him" feels rock-solid. Kalel's not rushing a decision; he's got time until signing day in 2026. In the meantime, expect more visits, more highlights (he's already warming up for Moeller's season), and more reasons for Buckeye fans to get excited.
Wrapping It Up: A Super Future Awaits
Kalel Johnson isn't just another recruit—he's the next big thing from Ohio, a kid with Superman strength (hey, that name's no accident) and a work ethic to match. As he navigates this wild ride, all eyes are on whether he'll stay home and block for the Buckeyes. If those Crystal Balls hold, Ohio State could land a cornerstone for their 2027 class. Until then, I'll be glued to the highlights, cheering for the Cincinnati kid who's got the size, the skills, and the heart to make it big. Go Bucks? You bet—especially if Kalel's suiting up in scarlet. What's your take? Drop a comment if you're feeling the hype.
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