Get to know Bessemer (Ala.) City four-star defensive lineman Emanuel Ruffin, who signed with Ohio State on Wednesday.
Height, Weight: 6-4, 295
247Sports Composite Ranking: Ruffin is the No. 247 player in the nation, the No. 29 defensive lineman and the No. 12 player in Alabama.
Commitment Date: Ruffin committed to Ohio State on May 12, 2025.
Other Offers: Alabama, Alabama State, Arkansas State, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Jacksonville State, Kentucky, Liberty, Louisville, Memphis, Miami (Fla.), Mississippi State, Missouri, North Alabama, Ole Miss, South Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Toledo, Troy, UAB, UCF, USC, Vanderbilt, Washington
How He Did In High School: Ruffin play was consistent in each of his three seasons on varsity at Bessemer City. He recorded 52 tackles in his sophomore campaign and 51 as a junior before setting a career-high 60 takedowns as a senior. He racked up a total of 11 tackles for loss, four sacks, and three fumble recoveries in his three years on varsity.
Where He Fits In 2026: With Ohio State’s entire four-man front likely headed for the NFL Draft, the Buckeyes defensive line is sure to see new faces in 2026. Ruffin will have to compete with not only the other interior defensive lineman in the incoming class, but with the 2025 class of Jarquez Carter, Max Roy and others. With Eddrick Houston and Will Smith Jr. back, it will be tough for Ruffin to see any playing time in his first season.
Image via Garrick Hodge, 247Sports
