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Riley Pettijohn is Ohio State’s best linebacker, and it isn’t really a debate anymore

Through the initial four games of the college football season, freshman defender Riley Pettijohn has emerged as a standout presence for Ohio State despite operating primarily in a rotational capacity. Across 145 defensive snaps, the former five-star recruit has accumulated 15 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, and an interception, highlighted by a dominant 51-snap performance against Illinois where he led the team with two tackles for loss and dropped Katin Houser for a nine-yard sack.

Fellow linebackers Payton Pierce, Christian Alliegro, and TJ Alford have also posted solid numbers for the Buckeyes, but Pettijohn's high-impact plays and exceptional athletic profile have set him apart as the unit's premier playmaker.

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