Port St. Lucie (Fla.) Vero Beach 2025 4-star linebacker Tarvos Alford is one of the most coveted defensive prospects in the 2025 recruiting cycle. He has offers from the nation's top programs, and one Big Ten school appears to be the favorite at a crucial recruiting stage.
Ohio According to , they tend to get Alford 89.1% of the time. On3 recruitment prediction machine. Expert predictions are recorded by Buckeyes recruiter Matt Parker (65%) and Florida recruiter Corey Bender (60%).
Ohio State, Florida, Tennessee, Florida State, Georgia, Louisville, Miami, Penn State, Rutgers and UCF were all in Alford's October top 10.
“These 10 schools are the main ones that we keep in touch with and show the most love to.” Mr Alford told On3:. “Coaches from all of these schools contacted me at least once or twice a week and I was able to build a good relationship with them, so that's a big factor. It is also a school that can give you
Alford is the No. 60 overall prospect and No. 9 linebacker in the 2025 cycle, according to the NFL. On3 industry ranking, A weighted average using all four major recruitment media companies. He is also the No. 8 player in the state of Florida.
On3 ranks Alford higher than other recruitment services. He enters the 2025 On300 as Florida State's No. 46 recruit, No. 8 linebacker and No. 4 player.
James Laurinaitis and Jim Knowles play key roles in Alford recruitment
Florida was once thought to be the in-state recruiting favorite. However, Gators linebackers coach Jay Bateman left Florida for Texas A&M after two seasons on the staff, leaving some room for the Buckeyes.
“I definitely think Ohio State can take advantage of this.” Ohio State recruiting official Matt Parker said earlier this month.. “It starts with the relationship between TJ Alford, James Laurinaitis, Jim Knowles and Ryan Day. I really got into this recruiting thing when I went to private training with Laurinaitis. At a recruiting camp with hundreds of kids, an Ohio State coach pulled a kid aside for a personal workout. Every time you bring it up, it's a pretty big problem. It's a pretty important thing.
“Since then, Alford's relationship with his family and Ohio State has developed into something truly positive. Alford is expected to be on campus for the Michigan State game in November 2023. He spent a lot of time with Laurinaitis and Knowles, and it was one of the best games for an Ohio State linebacker.
“I just predicted Sunday that Ohio State would put Alford on the On3 recruiting prediction machine with 65% confidence,” Parker added. “Alford confirmed to me that they plan on visiting Ohio State during spring baseball. So all signs point to the Buckeyes getting this thing done early.”
