As Ohio State gears up for the fall, it's time to get acquainted with Tarvos Alford, a key member of the Buckeyes' 2025 recruiting class. Alford, a standout linebacker from Florida, hopes to follow in the footsteps of Ryan Shazier, another Buckeye who made the journey north and left a significant mark on the program.
Alford enters the Buckeyes with some serious credentials. Ranked as the No. 13 linebacker and No. 143 overall in the 2025 class, he brings a combination of skills and intangibles that could make him a game-changer for Ohio State – especially if he continues developing at this early stage.
The Buckeye Journey Begins
The Buckeye journey for Alford kicked off when he received an offer from Ohio State on April 7, 2023. Despite being unranked at the time, Alford had already caught the eye of 15 Division I programs.
The Ohio coaching staff quickly made him a priority, with former Buckeye James Laurinaitis, then a graduate assistant, making trips to Florida to connect with Alford. Their close relationship played a pivotal role when Laurinaitis was promoted to linebackers coach in 2024, solidifying Ohio State's strong position in Alford's recruitment.
Alford made several visits to Columbus and was wooed by the camaraderie known as The Brotherhood at Ohio State. On March 30, 2024, he ultimately chose the Buckeyes over other prestigious programs like Florida, Florida State, Miami, and Tennessee. “I kinda knew before I set the commitment date I wanted to go to Ohio State,” Alford explained, reflecting on how Laurinaitis and the pursuit of a national championship sealed the deal.
High School Legacy
Before committing to Ohio State, Alford put together an impressive high school career. He made an immediate impact as a freshman with 63 tackles. By his sophomore year at John Carroll, Alford had accumulated 103 tackles (six for loss), three sacks, and a blocked field goal.
After transferring to Vero Beach High School, his reputation soared. Alford racked up 114 tackles (12 for loss) and became TCPalm's Defensive Player of the Year, thanks to his blend of tackles, sacks, quarterback pressures, and pass breakups.
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His senior year only added to his legend, with 94 tackles (10.5 for loss) and four sacks, once again earning him the title of Defensive Player of the Year in the Treasure Coast region. Alford's athletic prowess extended to the track, where he clocked personal bests of 11.67 seconds in the 100-meter dash and 23.88 in the 200.
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Ohio State scored big with Alford's commitment, aided by the linebacker’s raw talent for athleticism and instinct. He's the kind of player who can dismantle a tunnel screen with ease, a testament to his physical and tactical acumen.
Immediate Prospects at Ohio State
While Ohio State's linebacker room is currently led by standouts like Sonny Styles, with Arvell Reese set to see significant time, Alford is determined to make a name for himself right out of the gate. His initial goal is to shed his black stripe, a rite of passage for Buckeyes, and fight his way into the rotation.
Alford will face competition from C.J. Hicks, who recently moved to the edge, as well as Garrett Stover and fellow freshman Riley Pettijohn. But he remains eager for the challenge, knowing the high level of talent around him can only push him to excel further.
“What excites me the most? Playing alongside great players," said Alford.
"We’ve already got the best 2025 class right now. There’s plenty of players that’ll be around me that can help make me better.”
Long-Term Vision
Ohio State envisions Alford as a future Will linebacker, becoming a cornerstone as he perfects his craft on and off the field. With Styles likely playing his final collegiate season, Alford is poised to contend for significant playing time in 2026.
Alford’s advanced instincts, coupled with his athletic speed and sure-tackling ability, position him as a formidable force against opposing offenses. His skill set in coverage further enhances his potential, painting the picture of an every-down player who can excel in Ohio State’s defense.
A Nod to Shazier
The comparison to Ryan Shazier isn’t just flattering for Alford – it's inspirational. Shazier’s remarkable Ohio State career saw him rack up 317 tackles and become a top NFL draft pick before a tragic spinal injury cut his career short. But for Alford, Shazier's path from Florida to Ohio State serves as a beacon.
Alford embraces the lofty comparison because of his own knack for finding the ball, his devastating tackles in open space, and his versatility in coverage. Inspired by players like Shazier and Jerome Baker, Alford sees himself rising to meet those expectations.
With the foundation laid, Tarvos Alford has all the tools to etch his own story into the annals of Buckeye history. Keep an eye on this rising star as he embarks on his Ohio State journey.
