Ohio State flips Glenville DL Jamir Perez from Florida, adding to top five recruiting class

Cleveland (Ohio) Glenville defensive lineman Jamir Perez flipped his commitment from Florida to Ohio State, giving head coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes some Fourth of July fireworks.

The 6-foot-4, 330-pound Perez gave the Gators a surprise verbal in May but still took his official visit to Columbus in June and is now part of an Ohio State class that ranks No. 5 nationally per Rivals.

Defensive line coach Larry Johnson was the lead recruiter. 

“Just being an Ohio kid and from the city,” Perez said. “Having Coach Johnson in my corner with (new defensive coordinator) Coach (Matt) Patricia, I will have that true development and best chance of doing what I want to achieve.”

The official visit in June was the game-changer.

“It was a great experience,” Perez said. “It was great being with the other recruits and just being with Coach Johnson and Coach Day overall was a great experience.”

Perez aims to add to the Glenville legacy at Ohio State

Perez becomes commit No. 21 for Day and the defending National Champs in the 2026 cycle. He joins teammate in four-star linebacker Cincere Johnson. Several Glenville greats including Troy Smith, Marshon Lattimore and Ted Ginn Jr. have made the move to Ohio State.

“Just the family vibe,” Perez added regarding his commitment. “The former Glenville players being there plus Cincere going there that just helped me make more of a decision.”

Perez is excited about the stage Ohio State competes on and looks forward to suiting up inside The Shoe.

“It’s a great place because we play the best competition with the best teams in the Big Ten so I’m ready for that.”

Perez ranks as the nation’s No. 61 defensive lineman.