Miami flips 5-star DT Justin Scott from Ohio State

Field Level Media|published: Thu 30th November, 12:25 2023

Oct 7, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; A general view of an end zone pylon prior to the game between the Miami Hurricanes and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Hard Rock Stadium. credits: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Five-star defensive tackle Justin Scott has flipped his commitment to Miami from Ohio State in a move with significant implications for both programs.

Scott, who plays for St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago, is the No. 3-ranked defensive lineman and 12th overall recruit in the country by 247Sports Composite rankings for 2024. He committed to the Buckeyes in July, but said that South Florida had remained on his mind.

"From the first time they offered me to now, they have never changed. Even when I committed they still recruited me and emphasized the need for my position there," Scott told On3. "I've built so many strong relationships there as well with everybody on the staff."

Ohio State and Miami were among Scott's initial finalists along with Michigan, while he was also receiving interested from the likes of Alabama and Georgia. Scott committed to the Buckeyes, but said South Florida remained on his mind due to strong connections with Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal and defensive line coach Joe Salave'a.

It also helps that Scott's close friend, Marquise Lightfoot, has also committed to Miami. The pair are now part of one of the nation's top-rated recruiting classes.

"I have been down there three times and I always loved it," he said. "It always felt like family, and it is a place I wanted to stay each time I visited because of how I felt around the staff. And they have shown that young guys have great opportunities to make big impacts. Coach Mario Cristobal plays young players, and that stands out to me because I will go in and have a chance to make an early impact."

Meanwhile, Scott's departure serves a significant blow to Ohio State's recruiting class, which had been rated as high as No. 2 in the nation. Buckeyes coach Ryan Day still has commitments from three other five-star prospects, including wide receiver Jeremiah Smith out of Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Hollywood, Fla.

Ohio State does have commitments from defensive linemen Eddrick Houston and Eric Mensah and is scheduled to host four-star D-lineman Ernest Willor Jr. in December, according to On3.

—Field Level Media

Latest