Eric Boggs
Ohio State has bolstered its offensive line with a major addition, securing the commitment of former Minnesota offensive tackle Phillip Daniels. The Cincinnati native announced his decision on Wednesday, becoming the Buckeyes’ first transfer portal acquisition of the winter. Daniels’ arrival fills a key need for Ohio State, as he is expected to compete for a starting role in the 2025 season.
Daniels’ journey to Ohio State is a homecoming story. Growing up in Ohio, he was a lifelong Buckeyes fan but did not receive an offer from the program coming out of Princeton High School. Instead, he joined Minnesota, where he developed into a reliable presence on the offensive line. After starting the final four games at right tackle for the Gophers in 2024, Daniels entered the transfer portal on Monday and wasted no time committing to Ohio State two days later. His visit to Columbus on Tuesday sealed the deal, as Daniels knew immediately that he wanted to don the scarlet and gray.
At 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, Daniels brings both size and potential to Ohio State. According to Pro Football Focus, he logged 300 offensive snaps for Minnesota this season, earning a 62.5 overall grade with balanced marks in pass blocking (65.4) and run blocking (66.7). Ranked as the No. 4 offensive tackle in the transfer portal by 247Sports, Daniels is expected to be a frontrunner for a starting spot at either left or right tackle for the Buckeyes. With three years of eligibility remaining, he provides Ohio State with both immediate impact and long-term depth.
Daniels’ roots add another layer of significance to his transfer. He is the cousin of former Ohio State standout and first-round NFL Draft pick Paris Johnson Jr., who also played at Princeton High School. Daniels’ ties to the program and his Ohio upbringing make his commitment a poignant moment for Buckeye fans.
The timing of Daniels’ decision has drawn attention across the college football landscape. Former Gophers cornerback Coney Durr expressed frustration on social media, suggesting that Daniels’ quick commitment could imply tampering before he officially entered the portal. Durr’s comments underscore the ongoing debates surrounding the transfer portal and its impact on college football. However, Ohio State fans are likely more focused on the on-field implications of Daniels’ arrival.
Minnesota, meanwhile, faces significant challenges on the offensive line. With Daniels’ departure and the graduation of key starters like Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year Aireontae Ersery, left guard Tyler Cooper, and right guard/right tackle Quinn Carroll, the Gophers must rebuild their front five. Daniels was projected to be a cornerstone of Minnesota’s 2025 offensive line, making his loss particularly impactful.
For Ohio State, the addition of Daniels is a win both on and off the field. His experience, talent, and Ohio roots make him an ideal fit for the program. As the Buckeyes prepare for the 2025 season, Daniels will look to make his mark and help solidify an offensive line aiming to protect Ohio State’s championship aspirations.
