BREAKING NEWS: Former USC 4-Star Running Back Quinten Joyner Flips Commitment to Ohio State, Makes Bold Promise to Buckeyes
COLUMBUS, OH – In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world, 4-star running back Quinten Joyner, previously committed to the University of Southern California (USC), announced today that he has flipped his commitment to Ohio State University. The highly sought-after running back, who had been a major target for USC’s 2025 recruiting class, made the surprise announcement through his social media channels after weeks of speculation about his future.
Joyner, a Texas native, had initially pledged to the Trojans in the summer of 2024 but had kept the door open for potential changes. His decision to switch allegiances to Ohio State, one of the top programs in college football, has created a buzz among fans, analysts, and recruiting experts alike. Known for his explosive speed, agility, and vision on the field, Joyner is considered one of the top running back prospects in the nation.
In his announcement, Joyner shared his excitement about joining the Buckeyes, expressing confidence that his decision to flip was the right one. “After a lot of thought and conversations with my family, coaches, and mentors, I’m excited to announce that I am officially committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes,” Joyner wrote. “This is a place where I feel I can grow as both a player and a person. I’m ready to contribute to this program and help bring championships to Ohio State.”
Joyner went on to make a promise to Ohio State fans, vowing to bring his all to the team. “I’m coming to Columbus to work harder than ever. I promise to put in the effort, compete every day, and do everything I can to help this team win. The goal is simple: bring a national championship back to Ohio State.”
The announcement has sent the Buckeye Nation into a frenzy, with fans celebrating the addition of a dynamic playmaker to their already impressive 2025 recruiting class. Joyner’s decision to flip his commitment marks a significant win for head coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes, who have been consistently recruiting at an elite level.
Joyner had originally been a standout for the Texas-based Cypress Creek High School, where he was a key part of the team’s offensive success. His combination of size (6-foot-1, 215 pounds) and breakaway speed made him a standout in one of the nation’s most competitive high school football regions. He had drawn interest from numerous top programs, including Alabama, Georgia, and Texas, but had narrowed his choices down to USC and Ohio State before ultimately making the flip.
Ohio State’s track record of developing running backs has likely played a significant role in Joyner’s decision. The Buckeyes have produced several elite running backs over the years, including recent stars like J.K. Dobbins and Trey Sermon, who both had successful NFL careers. The program’s commitment to its offensive line and strong running game is a major selling point for top recruits like Joyner, who will now have the chance to showcase his skills in one of college football’s most powerful offenses.
“We’re extremely excited to welcome Quinten to our program,” said Ryan Day, Ohio State’s head coach. “He’s an incredible talent with the potential to make an immediate impact. His combination of size, speed, and vision is exactly what we look for in our running backs, and we believe he’ll fit in perfectly with our system. We’re thrilled to have him join the Buckeye family.”
Joyner’s commitment to Ohio State further bolsters the Buckeyes’ already impressive recruiting class for 2025, which includes a number of highly ranked prospects at various positions. His decision to join Ohio State also adds to the growing sense of excitement around the program’s future, as the Buckeyes look to continue their dominance in the Big Ten and on the national stage.
The flip also comes at a critical time for USC, who now must regroup after losing one of their top commits for the 2025 class. The Trojans had been banking on Joyner to be a key part of their future offense, and his departure leaves a gap in their recruiting efforts. Despite this setback, USC will likely continue to pursue other top-tier running back prospects to fill the void.
As for Quinten Joyner, the future looks bright in Columbus. His decision to join the Ohio State Buckeyes signals a new chapter in his football journey, and with his commitment, he has already set high expectations for his time at one of college football’s most prestigious programs.