There sure is a lot going on during this time on the college football calendar. Not only are we in the throws of bowl season and the College Football Playoff, but we just finished up the first transfer portal window. Add in the yearly grind of recruiting and Name, Image and Likeness efforts, and there’s no shortage of things to keep an eye on.
One of the main things in roster building now besides recruiting is what a program can do in the transfer portal. Ohio State has historically been somewhat slow to hop on the portal train but gained several key additions (Caleb Downs, Seth McGlaughlin, Quinshon Judkins) in the second window last season.
This year, OSU has been much more active in luring guys out of the first window of the transfer portal, but you can bet the efforts aren’t complete. In order to keep you up to speed, we like to track all of the players coming to Ohio State out of the transfer poral, so feel free to check back often.
Here’s a real-time look at the players that the Buckeyes have been able to convince to back the U-Haul up to the banks of the Olentangy to further their college playing careers, updated as news becomes available.
Phillip Daniels, Offensive Tackle
Nov 2, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Matthew Bailey (7) leaps over Minnesota Golden Gophers offensive lineman Phillip Daniels (60) to get to Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer (16) during the second half at Memorial Stadium.Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Date Committed | December 18
Transferring From | Minnesota
Years of Eligibility Remaining | 3
247Sports Portal Ranking | No. 4 OT, No. 39 overall
Potential Impact
Daniels may not be a big splash for those following, but he does have a few starts under his belt at the Big Ten level with Minnesota because of injury ahead of him on the depth chart. He played right tackle and could develop into a full-time starter, but that remains to be seen. As is the case often with the offensive line, it’s hard to really tell how quickly — or even if — a kid will develop, but having depth is a good way to get the right fit on the offensive line. That looks like the case here.
CJ Donaldson, Running Back
Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images
Date Committed | December 23
Transferring From | West Virginia
Years of Eligibility Remaining | 1
247Sports Portal Ranking | No. 6 RB, No. 106 overall
Potential Impact
Ohio State is losing a ton of experience and talent when Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson move on to the NFL after this year. There are only two scholarship backs on the roster besides that with James Peoples and Sam Williams-Dixon. Three freshman are on the way, but they are unlikely ready to plug and play. Donaldson gives OSU a physical back that can probably split carries with Peoples. How many carries really depends on what the coaches see when inserted into the scheme and program culture. He does have Power Four experience and at 6-foot, 2-inches, and 238 pounds, has the body to take a beating in the Big Ten. That alone is worth the roster spot.
Logan George, Defensive End
USA TODAY SMG
Date Committed | December 23
Transferring From | Idaho State
Years of Eligibility Remaining | 2
247Sports Portal Ranking | No. 46 EDGE, No. 427 overall
Potential Impact
George became a playmaking machine off the edge for FCS Idaho State last season. He finished the year with 57 tackles, a Big Sky leading 19.5 tackles for loss, and six sacks. He will get an immediate look to provide depth off the edge with the losses of Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau. It’s doubtful that he surpasses Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson for No. 1 reps, but he should be able to provide much-needed depth to keep that group fresh.
There’s an outside chance he becomes something similar to former Buckeye Sam Hubbard, but that’ll depend on how well he can make the transition from FCS to the higher FBS level. And if you think OSU is the only big time program wanting to lure him to campus, remember that teams like Wisconsin, Mizzou, Utah, Texas A&M, Boise State, Oklahoma, Virginia, Georgia Tech and Iowa State were all also after the 6-foot, 5-inch, 259 pounder.
Max Klare, Tight End
USA TODAY SMG
Date Committed | December 23
Transferring From | Purdue
Years of Eligibility Remaining | 2
247Sports Portal Ranking | No. 1 TE, No. 30 overall
Potential Impact
This is a big get for Ohio State. Klare established himself as a serious threat in the passing game, finishing the 2024 campaign with 51 catches for 685 yards, enough to lead Purdue’s attack through the air. He should get immediate time and be a potential starter. He’s not the blocker current OSU tight end Will Kacmarek, but there’s no denying his ability to be a matchup problem for opposing defenses. The tight end room is a bit crowded with Bennett Christian, Jelani Thurman and Max Leblanc also pushing for time — no to mention the incoming freshman class, but Klare has proven his worth as one of the best tight ends in the conference already.
Ethan Onianwa, Offensive Tackle
Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Date Committed | December 24
Transferring From | Rice
Years of Eligibility Remaining | 1
247Sports Portal Ranking | No. 14 OT, No. 138 overall
Potential Impact
It’s no secret that Ohio State is in the market for help on the offensive line, especially at the tackle position. Onianwa provides three years of experience at the FCS level and was a potential NFL draft pick had he decided to leave a year early. He’s not a sure-fire high impact player but there’s a good chance he nails down a starting spot next year should everything break like we think. He graded out very high in the PFF grades and should have a big role next season on the offensive line. Call this one a very underrated snag for Ryan Day and the Buckeyes.
