Central Catholic offensive tackle Jimmy Kalis picks Ohio State

Apr. 17—Jimmy Kalis will play his college football at Ohio State.

Central Catholic's 6-foot-8, 285-pound star lineman, surrounded by family, friends and other supporters, gave a verbal commitment to the Buckeyes live on Rivals' YouTube channel Friday evening.

He thanked many of the people who supported him along his journey, including teammates and coaches.

"I want to thank all of the schools that gave me a chance and believed in me," Kalis said. "I am really thankful and blessed for all these opportunities I got."

The soon-to-be senior chose Ohio State over a group of five other finalists that included Georgia, Texas, Clemson, Miami and LSU.

Kalis, a Rivals 4-star offensive tackle, collected more than 40 Power Four scholarship offers with Alabama, Cal, Duke, Florida, Florida State, Indiana, Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Oregon, Penn State, Pitt, Purdue, Tennessee, Washington, WVU and Wisconsin among the others.

He is the No. 234 overall prospect and No. 21 offensive tackle in the Class of 2027, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking.

Kalis went through an extensive recruiting process that included visits to several of the top schools on his list.

In an interview with Rivals in February, Kalis said Ohio State was "very high on my list because they have been there and been very consistent since Day 1. They develop OL at a high level and have an elite culture and they take pride in getting guys to the next level."

Kalis was part of a powerful Central Catholic offensive line in 2025 that helped the Vikings rack up 40.8 points per game.

Central Catholic went undefeated in Class 6A, finished 13-2 overall, defeated North Allegheny, 42-7, for the WPIAL title and advanced to the PIAA championship game before falling to La Salle College.

Kalis' efforts were celebrated with numerous all-star honors including an all-conference second-team nod.

"It's been an awesome ride watching Jimmy grow and mature," Central Catholic coach Ryan Lehmeier said. "He's earned this opportunity. He's played really well throughout his career with us. He's a great kid who is so focused on what he wants, and he's worked so hard towards that. He's been a delight to coach, and I hope all of our kids are able to reach their max potential. For guys like Jimmy to have this opportunity, I couldn't be more happy for him."

Kalis has had a strong support system, and throughout the recruiting process, he leaned on the experience of both his father, Todd, and older brother, Kyle.