Ohio State Buckeyes Linked to 3 Intriguing Defensive Line Transfer Targets
The transfer portal has redefined college football, transforming offseasons into high-stakes recruiting battles. For a program like Ohio State, the portal offers not only a chance to patch holes in the depth chart but also an opportunity to reload with experienced talent that can contribute immediately. After a strong spring, the Buckeyes remain laser-focused on refining their roster in pursuit of a national championship. One position group drawing particular attention is the defensive line, where Ohio State has been linked to three notable transfer targets with the potential to elevate the unit to elite status.
Ohio State’s reputation as a defensive line factory is well established. From Chase Young and Nick Bosa to current standouts like JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, the Buckeyes have consistently produced NFL-caliber edge rushers and disruptive interior linemen. However, attrition, both through graduation and the transfer portal, has made defensive line depth a priority heading into the 2025 season. With a championship-caliber roster already in place, adding a difference-maker—or three—along the front could be the final piece of the puzzle for head coach Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.
The first name connected to the Buckeyes in recent days is a familiar one: former five-star recruit and Texas A&M defensive end Shemar Stewart. Stewart, who entered the portal following a coaching change in College Station, was a coveted prospect coming out of high school and has shown flashes of dominance at the SEC level. At 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds, Stewart boasts the rare blend of size, athleticism, and pass-rushing skill that makes scouts drool. While he hasn’t fully broken out yet, Ohio State’s track record with pass rushers could help unlock his full potential. Stewart could slide into the rotation immediately, pushing for snaps alongside Tuimoloau and Sawyer, or even shift inside on passing downs to create mismatches. His upside is enormous, and if the Buckeyes land him, they’d be adding a player with first-round talent.
Another intriguing option reportedly on Ohio State’s radar is Georgia Tech defensive tackle D’Quan Douse. A graduate transfer with two years of starting experience in the ACC, Douse brings a rugged, physical presence to the interior. He recorded 5.5 tackles for loss and three sacks last season, showing the ability to collapse the pocket and anchor against the run. At 6-foot-2 and 310 pounds, Douse is more of a traditional nose tackle but offers surprising quickness off the snap. What makes him especially appealing to Ohio State is his consistency and maturity—traits that could make him a stabilizing force in a defensive tackle room that, while talented, remains relatively young. Douse wouldn’t necessarily be a splashy addition, but he could be a key one, particularly in high-leverage situations against the run-heavy Big Ten schedule.
The third name circulating in connection with the Buckeyes is a bit more under the radar but no less compelling: Washington State’s Quinn Roff. A redshirt junior with two years of eligibility remaining, Roff is a hybrid edge rusher with the versatility to play multiple spots along the front. At 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds, he brings a relentless motor and above-average bend around the edge. Though not as physically gifted as Stewart, Roff has carved out a reputation as one of the most technically sound pass rushers in the Pac-12. He totaled seven sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss last season, regularly disrupting opposing backfields despite facing frequent double-teams. His addition would give Ohio State a reliable third or fourth option at defensive end, someone who could contribute immediately in a rotational role and provide injury insurance at a critical position.
Each of these players brings something different to the table, but all three share a common trait: they would make Ohio State better. Whether it’s Stewart’s sky-high ceiling, Douse’s seasoned interior presence, or Roff’s polished pass-rushing technique, the Buckeyes would be shoring up their defensive line with talent and depth that championship teams often require. While the front four has been a strength in Columbus for years, adding multiple experienced players could allow Knowles to get more creative with his schemes, using a deeper rotation to keep legs fresh and ramp up pressure.
It’s also worth noting that Ohio State isn’t targeting these transfers from a place of desperation. Rather, it’s a strategic move to optimize what is already one of the most talented rosters in the country. The Buckeyes return a formidable group that includes Tuimoloau, Sawyer, Mike Hall Jr., and rising star Tyleik Williams. However, with Hall reportedly dealing with lingering injury concerns and depth uncertain behind the starters, reinforcing the unit is more about planning for the long haul than plugging leaks. The rigors of a full Big Ten slate and a potential playoff run demand more than just top-tier starters—they require depth, versatility, and experience.
In addition, the transfer portal has become a competitive marketplace, and Ohio State’s interest in these three players reflects the shifting dynamics of modern roster construction. It’s no longer just about recruiting five-star high schoolers; it’s about balancing youth development with proven production. All three of these targets have logged meaningful snaps at the college level, something that incoming freshmen simply can’t replicate. That blend of readiness and refinement is invaluable, particularly on the defensive line, where physical maturity can often determine success at the next level.
Ohio State’s aggressive approach in the portal also sends a message to the rest of the country: the Buckeyes are not content with being playoff contenders—they are pushing to become national champions. The addition of a top-tier defensive lineman, or even better, multiple proven players, could elevate the defense from solid to dominant. With a dynamic offense led by returning stars at quarterback and wide receiver, pairing that firepower with a deep, disruptive defensive front could be the formula that finally gets Ohio State over the hump against programs like Georgia and Alabama in the postseason.
Of course, landing these transfer targets is easier said than done. The portal is a crowded field, and Ohio State will face stiff competition from other power programs also looking to bolster their rosters. NIL opportunities, relationships with position coaches, and even proximity to home will all factor into these players’ decisions. But Ohio State has plenty working in its favor: a national brand, a proven coaching staff, elite development infrastructure, and a clear path to playing time in high-profile games.
There’s also something to be said about the momentum surrounding the program this offseason. With renewed energy on the recruiting trail, the buzz of a potential championship run, and continued support from boosters and alumni, the Buckeyes are an appealing destination for players who want to win now. Stewart, Douse, and Roff could each find a role in Columbus that showcases their talents while giving them a legitimate shot at team and individual success.
As spring turns to summer and portal activity intensifies, Ohio State fans should keep a close eye on how these storylines develop. Whether the Buckeyes land one, two, or all three of these defensive linemen, the program’s willingness to attack the portal with urgency and precision underscores its commitment to excellence. In a sport where the margins between good and great are razor-thin, the ability to identify and land the right transfer can be a game-changer.
For Ryan Day and the Buckeyes, the goal is clear: win championships. And as recent history has shown, championships are won not just on Saturdays in the fall, but in the strategic decisions made in the spring and summer. Adding Stewart, Douse, and Roff—or any combination thereof—would be a major step toward building the kind of defensive front that championship teams are built upon. The coming weeks will determine whether those additions become reality, but one thing is certain: Ohio State isn’t standing still. The Buckeyes are building. And they’re building with the endgame in mind.
