In a surprising but thrilling twist for Ohio State fans, three-star defensive tackle Michael Dorsey of Cleveland Heights High School has officially flipped his commitment from the University of Florida to the Ohio State Buckeyes. The 6-foot-3, 295-pound interior lineman had been committed to the Gators since March but announced on Saturday that he’ll instead be staying home to represent his home state powerhouse.
This move marks a significant win for head coach Ryan Day and defensive line coach Larry Johnson, who’ve made it a priority to keep in-state talent close to Columbus. Dorsey, who ranks just outside the top 400 nationally but is considered one of the top 15 prospects in Ohio, cited a renewed connection with Ohio State’s coaching staff, family proximity, and the allure of playing in front of his hometown crowd as major factors in his decision.
“Buckeye Born, Buckeye Bred”
“Ohio has always been home, and the Scarlet and Gray runs through my family,” Dorsey said in a statement. “I grew up watching the Buckeyes dominate the Big Ten. After more conversations with Coach Day and Coach Johnson, I realized this is where I belong. It’s not just about football—it’s about legacy, tradition, and making an impact right where I grew up.”
The Buckeyes, who have focused on rebuilding their defensive interior in recent recruiting cycles, view Dorsey as a versatile, high-upside prospect. While he may not have the star rating of a five-star national recruit, sources inside the program say his tape tells a different story. Dorsey’s blend of strength, burst off the snap, and high motor make him a potential impact player after a year of development under Johnson’s tutelage.
A Quiet, Calculated Flip
Dorsey’s recruitment was relatively quiet in recent months, but things heated up following an unofficial visit to Ohio State in late June. It was during that visit that the momentum shifted, according to recruiting insiders. While Florida had held his commitment for nearly four months, the Gators were unable to match the late push from the Buckeyes, who pitched Dorsey not just as a piece of the puzzle—but as a foundational part of their defensive future.
This flip comes at a crucial time for Ohio State, who are still in the hunt for several other high-profile defensive linemen but needed an in-state win to solidify momentum on the trail.
What It Means for Ohio State
Dorsey is the 16th commitment in Ohio State’s 2025 class and the second defensive tackle alongside four-star national recruit Elijah Griffin from Savannah, Georgia. While Griffin is seen as the blue-chip prospect, Dorsey’s addition balances the room with a tough, gritty, coachable player who can anchor the run and disrupt plays with his interior push.
With this move, Ohio State reaffirms its stance as the dominant recruiting force in the Midwest—and proves that it can still win battles against SEC programs even when the stakes are high. For Dorsey, it’s a dream come true. For Ohio State, it’s another brick in the wall of a championship-caliber roster.
