COLUMBUS, Ohio – Trajen Odom’s face lights up when asked how his life has been over the past few months.
The 2025 defensive end committed to Ohio State in June and has since been doing what he can to enjoy the start of his final season in Charlotte. The pressure of a commitment is gone, the burden of a life-changing decision is gone. Now it’s all about football.
“After really making the decision and working with Coach Day and Coach Johnson and getting all the support from the fans, I was a little put off by the recruiting and everything,” Odom told Cleveland.com over the weekend.
Odom is the No. 297 player in his class according to 247Sports’ overall rankings and is currently one of six new additions to Ohio State’s defensive line.
He is more of an interior player and his playing style has been compared by Johnson to that of Mike Hall. At 6’4″ and 280 pounds, Odom fits the mold of a three-technique defensive tackle. Johnson also told him he could fill the role left by Tyleik Williams.
Ohio State wants him to play in the 290-pound weight class when he comes to Columbus.
“He sees me as that elusive player,” Odom said. “Then I come in and try to take Tyleik’s spot. If I fit into the system, I can be a player that can play all over the line.”
The relationship between him and Johnson has continued to grow in recent weeks, even though Odom’s college decision has already been made.
“It’s great,” Odom said. “Every day we talk, we chat, we do casual check-ins. It’s not always just about football. How am I doing, how is my family doing? It just creates a real family bond. It grows and grows.”
Odom wants to return to Columbus for a few games this season and will take the short flight from Charlotte for up to three or four games. He plans to be on campus to watch Akron and Michigan games.
bet365 BET $5 AND GET $150 BONUS OR $1,000 SAFETY NET FOR THE FIRST BET
GAMBLING PROBLEMS? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ, CO, IN, KY, LA, NC, NJ, OH, VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ only (18+ in KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IN/KY/LA (select communities)/NC/NJ/OH/VA. Deposit required. Deposit into Bonus Bets. Bonus Bet stakes are non-refundable. New customers only. Terms, time limits and exclusions apply.
And when he gets promoted again, some of his teammates could be with him.
Ohio State has offered a handful of its teammates in the top seven, including twin brothers Aiden and Drew Harris (No. 45 and No. 316 overall) and linebacker Thomas Davis Jr. (No. 120).
And Odom made it clear to them that they are welcome in Columbus.
“It’s unbelievable,” Odom said. “They’ve got my back, I’ve got theirs. We have a strong front seven – one of them wants to come with me, and hopefully we can get the other one too. Whatever happens in the future, happens.”
If you or a loved one has questions and would like to speak to a professional about gambling, call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or the National Council on Program Gambling Helpline (NCPG) at 1-800-522-4700 or visit 1800gambler.net for more information. Over 21 and currently in Ohio. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
