Ohio State has long been a powerhouse in college football, and the transfer portal has become a crucial tool in maintaining that dominance. While last year’s portal class boasted superstars like quarterback Will Howard and All-American safety Caleb Downs, this year’s additions may not be as flashy—but they fill key gaps across the roster.
With spring practice around the corner, let’s take a deep dive into how each new transfer fits into Ohio State’s lineup and what kind of impact they might have in the 2025 season.
Offensive Line Reinforcements
Ethan Onianwa (OT, Rice)
Left tackle is one of the most vital positions in football, and Ohio State wasted no time finding a replacement after losing Josh Simmons and Donovan Jackson to the NFL. Enter Ethan Onianwa—a 6’6”, 345-pound veteran with 34 career starts. He dominated at Rice, allowing just one sack in 350 pass-blocking snaps last season.
While adjusting to Big Ten competition will be a challenge, Onianwa is expected to take over the blindside protection role without much competition. Given the Buckeyes’ lack of tackle depth, he’ll be a crucial piece of the offensive front in 2025.
Phillip Daniels (OT, Minnesota)
Ohio State also addressed the right tackle position with the addition of Cincinnati native Phillip Daniels. Ranked as one of the top transfer tackles available, Daniels has tremendous upside but limited experience—just four career starts at Minnesota.
At 6’5” and 315 pounds, he has the tools to develop into a reliable starter. His competition for the job will come from redshirt freshman Deontae Armstrong and incoming freshman Carter Lowe, but as of now, Daniels has the inside track to winning the spot.
Offensive Firepower: New Targets and a Power Runner
Max Klare (TE, Purdue)
Ohio State’s wide receiver room is stacked, but tight end remains a position of intrigue. Max Klare was a rare bright spot in Purdue’s struggling offense last year, recording 51 catches for 685 yards and four touchdowns.
While the Buckeyes have solid depth at tight end—including Will Kacmarek, Jelani Thurman, and Bennett Christian—Klare’s receiving skills make him a prime candidate to be the team’s go-to target at the position. Expect Ohio State to utilize more two-tight end sets to maximize his playmaking ability.
CJ Donaldson (RB, West Virginia)
Ohio State lost its top two running backs from last season, so adding a veteran presence in CJ Donaldson was a smart move. A bruising 6’2”, 238-pound back, Donaldson rushed for 734 yards and 11 touchdowns last year at West Virginia.
He’ll likely split carries with sophomore James Peoples, who showed flashes of brilliance last season. This duo could provide a perfect balance of speed (Peoples) and power (Donaldson), ensuring the Buckeyes maintain a dangerous rushing attack.
Defensive Additions: Bolstering the Front Seven
Logan George (DE, Idaho State)
At first glance, a transfer from an FCS program might not seem like a major acquisition. But don’t underestimate Logan George—he was a one-man wrecking crew at Idaho State, racking up 19.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks last season.
With both of Ohio State’s starting defensive ends off to the NFL, George has a legitimate shot at cracking the rotation behind Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Caden Curry. Defensive line coach Larry Johnson has praised his relentless motor, and if he adjusts to Big Ten competition quickly, he could be an under-the-radar star for the Buckeyes.
Ty Howard (LB, Duquesne)
Ohio State’s linebacker corps is in good hands with Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese set to lead the unit. However, adding a veteran like Ty Howard provides valuable depth.
Howard was a standout at Duquesne, tallying 52 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and three interceptions in just nine games last season. While he may not start, he could carve out a role as a rotational player or special teams contributor.
Final Thoughts
While Ohio State’s 2025 transfer class doesn’t feature household names like last year’s, it addresses crucial areas of need. Onianwa and Daniels will be vital in keeping the offensive line stable, Klare and Donaldson add playmaking ability to an already loaded offense, and George and Howard provide much-needed depth on defense.
As spring practice approaches, expect these newcomers to battle for playing time and prove why they belong at one of the premier programs in college football.
