BREAKING NEWS: Ohio State Lands Top Offensive Lineman Ethan Onianwa from Transfer Portal
Columbus, OH – April 15, 2025 — In a major offseason move that solidifies Ohio State’s commitment to rebuilding its offensive front, the Buckeyes have secured a critical transfer portal commitment from Ethan Onianwa, widely regarded as the top offensive lineman available in the 2025 cycle.
Onianwa, a 6-foot-6, 345-pound offensive tackle from Rice University, was one of the most sought-after linemen in the portal this spring. With multiple Power Five offers on the table, his decision to join the Buckeyes sends a clear message: Ohio State isn’t just reloading — it’s reasserting its dominance in the trenches.
“This is a massive win for our program,” said head coach Ryan Day. “Ethan brings experience, toughness, and a high football IQ to our offensive line. He’s someone we expect to contribute immediately and help anchor our protection schemes.”
The Buckeyes, fresh off a national championship victory in 2024, enter a new season with questions along the offensive line following the departures of multiple starters to the NFL. Onianwa’s commitment addresses those concerns head-on, giving the Buckeyes a proven veteran presence with three years of college experience and the physical tools to succeed at the Big Ten level.
Originally from Missouri City, Texas, Onianwa was a three-star recruit out of high school but quickly rose to prominence at Rice, where he started 23 consecutive games and earned All-Conference USA honors in 2024. His combination of size, mobility, and leadership has drawn comparisons to former Buckeye and current NFL standout Paris Johnson Jr.
“I’m excited to be a part of something special at Ohio State,” Onianwa said in a statement released via social media. “This is a program that expects to win championships, and I’m ready to give everything I have to make that happen again.”
Ohio State’s offensive line struggled at times last season with inconsistency and injuries. The addition of Onianwa not only provides a potential solution at left tackle — one of the most critical positions on the field — but also gives new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly more flexibility in both pass protection and run-game design.
The move is also a testament to the Buckeyes’ growing success in the transfer portal. With Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals playing an increasing role in player movement, Ohio State’s resources, brand power, and commitment to development continue to make it a top destination for elite transfers.
Recruiting experts have praised the move as one of the best portal pickups of the offseason. “Ohio State just got a future pro in Onianwa,” said 247Sports analyst Allen Trieu. “He’s got the tools, the experience, and the motor. Plug-and-play starter for a title contender.”
With spring practices underway and expectations sky-high, the Buckeyes’ acquisition of Onianwa sets the tone for a season in which they’ll look to defend their crown — and now, do so with one of the nation’s premier linemen leading the charge.
Stay tuned to Buckeye Insider for continued coverage as the 2025 roster takes shape.