Elijah Melendez on Ohio State Buckeyes after visit: 'They are number one for me'

Class of 2025 Osceola (Florida) linebacker Elijah Melendez is one of the nation's most coveted players at his position.

The 6-foot-2, 220-pound 'backer holds nearly 40 scholarship offers from some of the nation's best programs - Alabama, Auburn, Colorado, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Penn State, Tennessee, USC and others.

But after a weekend visit to Columbus, Ohio, Melendez has an early leader.

“Ohio State is my frontrunner," he said. "They are No. 1 for me.” 

Melendez took his visit having already established a solid relationship with the Ohio State coaching staff, particularly coach James Laurinaitis.

But his trip took things to another level.

Ohio State checked every box, and dotted every "i." 

“It was just amazing," Melendez said. :"The fanbase... they were electric. I liked that. I would love to play in front of that. The coaching staff is all good people. Coach L and I have a really good relationship. I like their scheme and feel like I could ball out at Ohio State.”

Aiding the Buckeyes' cause is their long history of developing linebackers.

Melendez said it's the type of culture that allows top recruits to keep their heads down and develop into elite players at the next level.

“It matters a lot," he said. "Those linebackers all play like dogs and they are developed like dogs. I know if I go there I’ll get developed. If you go there, you can’t make excuses, because everything is top-notch.” 

Melendez still isn't close to making a decision and has several more fall visits on tap.

He'll attend his third Miami game of the season this weekend before trips to Colorado (November 4), LSU (November 18) and Michigan (November 25) next month.

So far, Melendez has a strong relationship with the Hurricanes and wants to continue to build family ties to the local program.

“I really like going back to Miami," he said. "I like the vibe. It’s a good vibe. I like the coaches a lot. I’ve been to two games already this fall. This will be my third game. It’s really close and a good time.” 

Still, Miami has some work to do to catch Ohio State.

“Miami is pretty up there, too,” he said. “I wouldn’t say 1 and 2. But Miami I really close and is really high on my list, too. But Ohio State is my number one."