With a glaring need at defensive end following five-star Brenton Cox's decommitment earlier this month, Ohio State began searching far and wide for replacements. They didn't have to look too far, though, to find Pickerington North three-star defensive end Alex Williams.

The 6-foot-7, 250-pound Williams, who is considered the 32nd-best weak-side defensive end and No. 591 prospect overall in the Class of 2018, has been committed to West Virginia since May. But sources told Eleven Warriors earlier in the week he is set to flip his pledge from the Mountaineers to the Buckeyes on Wednesday, and it appears a press release from the school has spoiled the surprise.

Several high school students will sign their National Letter of Intent tomorrow to continue their academic & athletic careers at the college level. Signing will begin at Central at 3:15 p.m. & 3 p.m. at North. Congrats to these students & thank you for making Pickerington proud! pic.twitter.com/sn7UCzbnRs — Pickerington Schools (@PLSD) December 19, 2017

Head coach Urban Meyer conducted an in-school with Williams last Thursday, at which time he extended an offer. The opportunity to play close to home and for defensive line coach Larry Johnson was apparently too much to pass up.

Williams will fax in his National Letter of Intent on Wednesday morning, and Pickerington North will celebrate his decision with a ceremony at 3 p.m.

Ohio State also remains in pursuit of Cleveland Heights four-star defensive end Tyreke Smith and New Jersey four-star Jayson Oweh, who are both set to announce their college decisions during the Under Armour All-America Game on Jan. 4. The Buckeyes are considered the favorite to land Smith's pledge following an in-home visit with Meyer, Johnson, defensive coordinator Greg Schiano and running backs coach Tony Alford on Friday, while Oweh is trending toward Penn State.