Jacksonville's highest-rated high school football defensive prospect is headed for the national champions.
Bolles junior Simeon Caldwell committed to Ohio State football, making his announcement on Twitter/X on Thursday. On3 was the first to report the news.
BREAKING: Four-Star Safety Simeon Caldwell has Committed to Ohio State, he tells me for @on3recruits
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 3, 2025
The 6’2 200 S from Jacksonville, FL chose the Buckeyes over Notre Dame, USC, & Miami
“Ohio State is BIA for a reason. Best IN America.”https://t.co/63e0JszfVMpic.twitter.com/vyQxT9TPsI
The 6-3, 190-pound Caldwell is proficient at either safety or linebacker and delivered an impact last year for the Bulldogs, helping them to the Florida High School Athletic Association regional finals and earning first-team honors on the Times-Union All-First Coast selection.
An Under Armour All-American who also competed in the Polynesian Bowl, Caldwell is rated as a four-star prospect and one of the top 10 linebackers in the 2026 class nationwide in the 247Sports composite.
His uncle, Tim Walton, coaches defensive backs for Ohio State, while his father, Mike Caldwell, played 11 years in the NFL at linebacker and previously served as Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator. The elder Caldwell currently works on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' staff.
Caldwell selected Ohio State over more than 30 other offers, including Florida, Miami, Michigan and Notre Dame.
Last year, despite an early-season injury, Caldwell battled back to record 80 tackles (12 for loss), three sacks, a fumble recovery and a pair of blocked kicks.
He's the second Bolles 2026 prospect to commit to Ohio State, along with tight end Corbyn Fordham. Lineman JJ Sparks (Miami) and wide receiver Naeem Burroughs (Clemson) have also committed to major football programs in the class.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Simeon Caldwell: Bolles linebacker/DB commits to Ohio State football
