Ohio State continues to make an impression on one of the nation’s top defensive prospects in the class of 2028.
Indian Head (Md.) Henry E. Lackey five-star defensive lineman Tyzon Swann visited Ohio State for a one-day camp on Tuesday and came away impressed by both the Buckeyes’ culture and the opportunity to learn from defensive line coach Larry Johnson.
For Swann, the opportunity to play for Johnson stood out immediately. Johnson began his coaching career at Henry E. Lackey in 1974 and spent nearly two decades coaching in the area, making the chance to learn from him especially meaningful for the Maryland native.
“Being able to come here and learn from him, knowing he’s from my area, a legend around there, it feels great,” Swann said. “I get to take home stuff from the best defensive line coach in the country.
The 6-4, 245-pound Swann stands as the No. 5 overall prospect, No. 1 defensive lineman and top player in the state of Maryland, according to 247Sports Composite. He was officially offered by Ohio State on Oct. 5, 2025.
Swann pointed to Ohio State’s approach to player development as something that separates the Buckeyes from other programs recruiting him.
“Just the work there, and the effort they want to see. They’re pushing me to be great like their players,” Swann said. “Every job we do out there is what their players do, so that shows that they want us to be the best.”
He continued, adding that the environment in Columbus and the hardworking mentality instilled within Ohio State’s program further reinforced his positive feelings about the program on his second visit.
“Just the environment, the culture,” Swann said. “The culture and the community and the love, it feels the same as last time.”
Ohio State’s defensive tradition has also caught Swann’s attention.
When discussing former and current Buckeyes he enjoys watching, he rattled off several defensive standouts who have helped shape the program’s reputation on that side of the ball.
“Chase Young, Nick Bosa. I watched Jack Sawyer. I like Jack Sawyer a lot. You got Kenyatta Jackson. I like Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles,” Swann said.
Swann sees himself fitting into that tradition because of the relentless style he brings to the field.
“I’m quick, violent. I’m going to get to the quarterback every time,” Swann said. “I’m not taking any plays off. You’re gonna get one-hundred percent out of me for sure.”
Swann’s production supports that confidence. As a sophomore, Swann totaled 135 tackles, 50 tackles for loss, and 16 sacks while forcing five fumbles.
Despite those impressive numbers, Swann has set even loftier goals for the future.
“My personal goals are to get defensive player of the year, back-to-back, junior and senior year,” Swann said. “Twenty-five sacks. I had 135 times last year, I’m going for 165. I want 10 force fumbles. I want everything two times or more from last year.”
Swann said his top schools as of now are Ohio State, Florida, Alabama and Auburn. With the Buckeyes remaining firmly in the mix for the five-star defender’s services, Swann said he plans to return to Columbus for a game and is hoping to schedule an official visit next year.
“I’ll definitely be here for a game, man. I’m just working on setting up an OV for next year,” Swann said.
