Payton Pierce

Payton Pierce (born December 12, 2004) He grew up competing in wrestling and football, starting the latter in third grade. He first attended Allen High School before transferring to Lovejoy High School in Lucas. He competed in both wrestling and football in high school and compiled a record of 30–1 as a wrestler, winning the 2022 5A state championship while competing in the weight class. He missed much of the 2022 season due to injury. In his senior year, 2023, he tallied 181 tackles, 40 tackles-for-loss (TFLs), eight sacks and four forced fumbles, being named the 7-5A Division II MVP and the 2023 All-Area Defensive Player of the Year by the Allen American. Pierce committed to play college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

College career As a true freshman in 2024, Pierce recorded four tackles in 14 games for the national champion Buckeyes.