Three-Way War: Ole Miss, Ohio State, and Washington in Fierce Fight for Elite EDGE Prospect
The recruiting trail has erupted into a full-blown war zone as Ole Miss, Ohio State, and Washington are locked in a high-stakes battle for one of the top EDGE rushers in the 2025 class — five-star phenom Elijah Moore out of Dallas, Texas.
Moore, a 6-foot-5, 240-pound defensive juggernaut, has become one of the most sought-after recruits in the country thanks to his explosive first step, elite closing speed, and disruptive presence off the edge. With over 25 Power Five offers, his recruitment has narrowed to three programs, each offering unique appeal and a fast track to stardom.
Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss are pitching early playing time in the aggressive SEC West, along with the opportunity to be the face of a reloaded defense. “They see me as a cornerstone — someone to build the front seven around,” Moore said following his Oxford visit.
Ohio State, however, brings the prestige and NFL pipeline few can match. With names like Chase Young and Joey Bosa emerging from Columbus, the Buckeyes are reminding Moore that success in scarlet and gray often leads to top-10 draft status.
Washington, meanwhile, is making a compelling case with its innovative defensive schemes and a player-first development culture. Under new leadership and fresh energy from the Big Ten move, the Huskies are showing Moore how he could become a breakout star on a national stage.
Recruiting insiders say Moore is expected to make a final decision in late July, and the atmosphere around his commitment is tense. With coaches flying across the country to make in-home visits and social media exploding with speculation, the chase for Elijah Moore has become one of the defining stories of the 2025 cycle.
