Eric Boggs
Ohio State continues to make significant moves in the transfer portal to strengthen its roster for the 2024 season, particularly in the offensive trenches. On Christmas Eve, the Buckeyes landed a major commitment from former Rice offensive tackle Ethan Onianwa, who brings both experience and talent to Columbus. Onianwa, a 6-foot-6, 345-pound tackle, has been a three-year starter for Rice and is expected to make an immediate impact on Ohio State’s offensive line.
Onianwa visited Ohio State on December 15 and had garnered interest from other top programs, including Iowa, Texas A&M, Florida State, and Oklahoma. With one season of eligibility remaining, he arrives at Ohio State after earning impressive Pro Football Focus grades in 2024, including a 74.6 overall grade and a 79.3 pass-blocking grade. Over 350 pass-blocking snaps last season, Onianwa allowed just one sack, showcasing his reliability and skill. According to 247Sports’ transfer rankings, he is the No. 13 offensive tackle in the portal, a significant addition to the Buckeyes’ roster.
Onianwa’s commitment marks the second offensive tackle transfer Ohio State has secured this month. Former Minnesota offensive tackle Phillip Daniels pledged to the Buckeyes on December 18. The pair could form the starting tackle duo for Ohio State next season, with Onianwa likely slotting in at left tackle and Daniels at right tackle. However, Ohio State may not be done addressing its offensive line needs, as former Northwestern lineman Josh Thompson and other targets remain on the radar. Any future additions would likely focus on interior positions or depth for the tackles.
Onianwa is part of a busy stretch for Ohio State in the transfer portal. He is the fifth transfer prospect to commit to the Buckeyes in December, joining former Purdue tight end Max Klare, former West Virginia running back CJ Donaldson Jr., and former Idaho State defensive end Logan George. These additions reflect Ohio State’s proactive approach to filling key roster gaps.
Meanwhile, Ohio State’s quarterback room saw a significant departure this week, as redshirt freshman Air Noland entered the transfer portal and committed to South Carolina. Noland, a four-star recruit ranked No. 56 overall in the 2024 class, redshirted during his lone season with the Buckeyes and did not see game action. He departs with four years of eligibility remaining.
Noland arrived at Ohio State with a decorated high school career, having led Langston Hughes High School to a Class 6A State Championship in Georgia and earning MaxPreps Junior All-American honors in 2022. However, his path in Columbus became crowded with the arrival of Julian Sayin, the No. 1 quarterback in the 2024 class, who transferred to Ohio State before his freshman season at Alabama. Sayin quickly climbed the depth chart, leaving Noland as the odd man out. Additionally, Ohio State has secured five-star quarterback Tavien St. Clair in its 2025 recruiting class, further solidifying its future at the position.
Despite the loss of Noland, Ohio State remains well-positioned for success, with a bolstered offensive line and strong depth across its roster. The Buckeyes’ strategic use of the transfer portal underscores their commitment to competing at the highest level next season.
