‘The people’ were the difference for Maxwell Roy in picking Ohio State

Ohio State had a major win on the recruiting trail on Monday, beating out rival Michigan, as well as home state Rutgers, for Philadelphia (PA) St. Joe’s Prep 2025 defensive tackle Maxwell Roy, who announced his decision on social media.

At one point in early June, it appeared that Roy was headed for Ann Arbor to play his college football, but his official visit to Columbus in the middle of the month turned the tide for Ohio State in this recruitment.

“For me, it was the people and how they interact with each other in the building,” Roy said of why he picked the Buckeyes. “They always talk about brotherhood, family, and how connected they are. For me, seeing it on my official visit, how the players and coaches interact, how the players interact with each other, it was special. It was what I was most looking for in a college and to see that on my visit was special.”

So far, Roy is one of two defensive tackles in his class, joining Trajen Odom as recent commits. The talented prospect spoke about the plan for him on the field in Columbus.

“Something the coaches have always liked me because I am a versatile guy,” he explained. “They’ve given me an idea, but mostly it’s been them saying that I will learn both defensive tackle positions. That’s the best way to get on the field, learning both spots and seeing where I can get on the field to help them quicker. I’m definitely willing to do whatever I need to do to help them win games and get on the field faster.”

Roy joins running back Isaiah West in the class of 2025 as St. Joe’s prospects headed to Ohio State. Keenan Nelson is already on the roster and the Buckeyes have had Marvin Harrison Jr. and Kyle McCord also enter the program from the school. Continuing the “Prep to O-State” pipeline is something that is attractive to the 6-foot-3, 290-pounder.

“It’s amazing,” Roy when asked. “It shows that Ohio State is doing it right. At Prep, they treat all of our guys the right way and they wouldn’t send people to a place that they didn’t think would do the same. Having Marv, Kyle, Keenan, Isaiah, and myself going to Ohio State, it speaks volumes that they’re doing it the right way.”

Now that he’s committed, Roy is going to focus on winning yet another title to end his high school career. He’ll then focus on accomplishing his goals as a Buckeye.

“One thing about myself is that I am a winner and one of my goals in college is that I want to win,” he shared. “I don’t just want to win, I need to win. I’ve won a championship each year I’ve been on varsity here and my goal at Ohio State is to win championships. I want to win for Buckeye Nation.

“Individually, I just want to be the best version of Maxwell I can be. Athletically, academically, however else. I just want to be the best version of myself on and off the field.”

Finally, Roy injured his knee in his final wrestling match of the season this year, and spoke about the progress he’s making in his recovery.

“I injured my knee in the last match of nationals,” he explained. “It’s part of the sport and it happens. It’s not the injury that’s important, though, it’s how you react and bounce back from it. The greatest part about being at Prep is that I have so many people helping me go through the rehab process and I’ve been attacking rehab very well so far. I’m taking it step-by-step, hitting my milestones, not rushing it, and it’s been going very well. I don’t have a timeline yet for when I’ll return, we’re just going to let my body tell me when I’m ready and take it day-by-day.”

Roy is a 4-star prospect, the No. 238 overall player, and No. 19 defensive lineman in the 2025 class, per the On3 Industry Rankings. He will enroll at Ohio State in summer 2025.

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