James Laurinaitis called Payton Pierce "an absolute natural" at middle linebacker and expects him to get "a lot of playing time" come fall.

On Thursday he got major praise from linebacker’s coach James Laurinaitis. “It’s just the way Sonny goes about it. He is the ultimate pro, he has been that way… Very intentional ...

A year ago, Sonny Styles was the newcomer in Ohio State’s front six on defense. Now he’s the only returning starter. Styles could have followed the entire defensive line and linebacker Cody ...

Reese didn't get much playing time in a loaded Buckeyes linebacking corps in 2024, but he is preparing to step into a much bigger role next season, and linebackers coach James Laurinaitis is ...

We caught up with Pierce and LB coach James Laurinaitis on Thursday for much more. A player that is certainly on the rise for Ohio State this spring is redshirt freshman linebacker Payton Pierce.

Elsewhere, James Laurinaitis made sure not to be outdone, as he too extended a new offer in the 2027 class by way of elite in-state linebacker, Antwoine Higgins. Hailing out of Cincinnati ...

“I think he's the leader of the entire team,” linebackers coach James Laurinaitis said. “He handled himself really well through the entire winter workout period and all that.” Told of ...