Rose Loves The Old-School Culture At Ohio State

Austin Rose C / 1B / Newark, OH / 2025

NEWARK - A lifelong Ohio State fan, Austin Rose did not decide to be a Buckeye for that reason.

“I didn’t commit to Ohio State because it’s Ohio State, I’m going there because of the culture coach Moe is bringing on,” Rose said in reference to head coach Bill Mosiello.

Being a Buckeye fan certainly did not hurt, however, when the second-rated 2025 catcher in the state made the decision to go to the Big 10 university in Columbus.

“It’s hard not to grow up an Ohio State fan growing up in central Ohio,” the Newark High School junior admitted.

Interest from Ohio State began at a team camp in June with summer team Launch and then things became more serious.

“The Future Games is when it all escalated,” the 16-year-old noted. “I had a good workout day and one good game with a single and a home run.”

There was a call with assistant coach Andrew See and a visit that took place leading to the confirmation of a commitment by the 15th-ranked junior in Ohio.

“I went on campus to make sure it was the right fit,” Rose explained. “How coach Moe coaches definitely made the difference. It’s old school, which I love.

“Non-baseball wise, the academic support given to baseball players really stood out. There are so many in your corner rooting for you to be a great man, not just a great baseball player.”

But Rose reiterated the decision came back to the leadership of the program.

“The culture coach Moe is trying to build is what I like,” Rose said. “It’s hard-nosed.”

A visit to Toledo was the only other made by Rose, who had a “good amount of calls” on Aug. 1 with interest from the likes of Xavier, Wright State, Kansas State, Maryland, Cornell, VMI and Cincinnati before the connection with Ohio State helped make the college choice come quickly.

“It all started at the Top Prospect Games which helped me get to the Future Games,” Rose said about his recruiting process that ended with a commitment to OSU. “A good amount of coaches were there for me to show what I had to offer. Jordan (Chiero, PBR Ohio Director of Scouting) putting me in front of them was huge.”

Rose also gave credit to two others.

“Andrew Westbrook has a lot of good connections and knows about the recruiting process,” Rose said in reference to his travel coach who he has been with the last two years. “He’s not worried about winning games, he’s worried about getting you to the next level.

“It’s the same way with my high school coach,” Rose added about Michael Wheeler. “He’s coached a lot of good players in the past and I can always call and talk to him about things and get his help guiding me. I really value the opinions of those two.”

It was the end of the summer of 2022 that Rose decided college baseball was for him.

“That’s when I realized it was something I wanted to pursue,” Rose explained. “The love I have for the game, it’s something I could see myself playing for four years after high school.”

Getting better was part of making it happen.

“I’ve really improved my hitting with in-game reps, reps in BP and alone-time work,” Rose related. “Catching has always been a strong suit. If you put time in, results will come eventually.”

Ohio State found a lot to like about the 6-3 200-pounder.

“Probably my size,” Rose said of what attracted Ohio State to him. “You can’t teach size. They also like the way I compete. It’s all about competitiveness. If I learn to master that, I think they can develop me.”

Being a competitor is a trait that Rose believes he can bring to the Buckeyes.

“On the field I’m someone who’s willing to compete with anyone,” Rose said. “I’m a selfless guy willing to do whatever for the team. Off the field I’ll bring someone who’s good in the classroom and good in the community.”

Uncertain as  of yet on a college major, the 3.95 student at Newark who lives 40 minutes from Columbus is thrilled to be a Buckeye and excited about a future at Ohio State.

“The feeling of committing there is unreal, there’s not a feeling like it,” Rose concluded. “I look forward to getting a great education in whatever I decide to pursue. With baseball and the new teams being added to the Big 10, I can’t wait to travel the country to play with these guys against all the great players and teams we will see.”