The Hurry-Up: Identifying Four Defensive Linemen Ohio State Could Pursue in the Transfer Portal This Spring

As spring football approaches and the transfer portal heats up, the Ohio State Buckeyes are once again in the spotlight. With an elite recruiting class already in place, Ohio State has positioned itself as one of the premier programs in college football. However, even for a powerhouse like the Buckeyes, roster improvement is a constant process. Heading into the 2023 season, one of the areas where Ohio State may look to bolster its depth is along the defensive line. The defensive line is one of the most important units in any program, and Ohio State has a proud history of producing elite defensive linemen who dominate on the field.

While Ohio State has a strong group of defensive linemen already on the roster, the coaching staff knows that the competition in the Big Ten and College Football Playoff will require them to have even more depth and talent. With that in mind, the transfer portal offers a valuable opportunity to find seasoned players who can contribute immediately. The Buckeyes have utilized the transfer portal effectively in recent years, bringing in key players who made immediate impacts, and this spring, the focus is likely to be on finding experienced defensive linemen who can elevate the defense to the next level.

In this article, we will explore four defensive linemen who could potentially be a good fit for Ohio State’s defense and provide depth for the Buckeyes along the defensive line. These players come from a variety of backgrounds, but they all share the common goal of playing at the highest level of college football, and each could bring something unique to Ohio State’s defense.

1. Jalen Carter (Georgia)

Position: Defensive Tackle
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 310 lbs
Previous School: Georgia

Jalen Carter, widely regarded as one of the top defensive tackle prospects in the transfer portal, would be a game-changer for any program, and Ohio State is no exception. Carter spent his early years at Georgia, where he played a crucial role in helping the Bulldogs win the 2021 National Championship. A product of Georgia’s elite defense, Carter possesses a rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism that makes him one of the most coveted defensive linemen in the portal.

Carter’s size (6’3″ and 310 pounds) is ideal for a defensive tackle in Ohio State’s 4-3 defensive scheme, where he would line up alongside other talented players to clog up running lanes, collapse the pocket, and pressure opposing quarterbacks. He has the physical tools to play both as an interior pass rusher and a run-stopper. His agility and burst off the line of scrimmage make him dangerous when rushing the passer, and his strength allows him to dominate in the trenches against offensive linemen.

In terms of fit, Carter would be an ideal addition to Ohio State’s defensive line, bringing leadership, experience, and raw talent to the unit. After spending time at one of the best programs in the country, Carter is familiar with the big stage and would provide an immediate upgrade for the Buckeyes’ defensive front.

The biggest question for Carter, however, is whether he will even enter the transfer portal. If he does, Ohio State could make a strong push to land him, given their long-standing relationships with Georgia’s coaching staff and their continued push for elite defensive talent. Carter’s ability to play in a system that emphasizes speed and aggression would allow him to thrive at Ohio State, making him an ideal target for the Buckeyes in the spring.

2. Tyler Davis (Clemson)

Position: Defensive Tackle
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 305 lbs
Previous School: Clemson

Tyler Davis is another elite defensive tackle who could make a big impact for Ohio State. Davis comes from Clemson, where he played in one of the most aggressive and well-coached defensive systems in the country under Brent Venables. Davis was an integral part of Clemson’s defensive line, helping to clog running lanes and applying constant pressure to opposing quarterbacks. His combination of quickness, strength, and technique would make him an excellent addition to the Buckeyes’ defensive front.

At 6’2″ and 305 pounds, Davis brings a solid frame that allows him to thrive in both run defense and pass rushing. His strength is his biggest asset, as he excels at using leverage and positioning to defeat offensive linemen. Davis’ motor is relentless, and he consistently maintains his intensity throughout the game. This kind of work ethic is exactly what Ohio State is looking for on its defensive line, especially with the increasing demands of playing in the Big Ten.

For the Buckeyes, Davis would be a valuable addition because of his experience at a top-tier program and his ability to step in immediately and contribute. His knowledge of playing against elite competition would provide a significant boost to Ohio State’s defensive front, helping to shore up both the interior pass rush and the run defense.

Davis has the potential to be a star at Ohio State, providing the kind of leadership and physical presence that is crucial for any championship-caliber defense. His familiarity with playing at the highest level of college football, coupled with his high football IQ and work ethic, would make him a natural fit in the Buckeyes’ defensive line rotation.

3. Nose Tackle Robert Cooper (Florida State)

Position: Nose Tackle
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 340 lbs
Previous School: Florida State

Robert Cooper is a massive defensive tackle who would provide Ohio State with a much-needed presence in the middle of the defensive line. At 6’2″ and 340 pounds, Cooper is a true nose tackle who can control the line of scrimmage, clog up running lanes, and occupy multiple blockers. His size makes him a force against the run, and his ability to hold ground at the point of attack would give Ohio State’s defense the edge it needs to be effective against power-running teams like Michigan and Wisconsin.

Cooper’s experience at Florida State, where he was a key component of the Seminoles’ defense for several years, would make him an excellent addition to Ohio State’s defensive line. He brings a wealth of knowledge and the ability to take on blockers, allowing the Buckeyes’ linebackers and edge rushers to operate more freely. While he may not be the most explosive pass rusher, Cooper’s role would be to eat up space, disrupt running plays, and free up Ohio State’s other defensive players to make plays.

Cooper’s physicality and ability to create space in the middle of the defense would complement the Buckeyes’ speed on the edges and would provide the team with a more balanced defensive line. His experience in high-level competition would be invaluable to Ohio State, especially as they look to improve their run defense and compete with the best teams in the Big Ten.

With Ohio State needing a reliable and powerful presence in the middle of their defensive front, Cooper could be a perfect fit for the Buckeyes, providing them with a veteran who could make an immediate impact.

4. Ali Gaye (LSU)

Position: Defensive End
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 270 lbs
Previous School: LSU

Ali Gaye is a disruptive pass rusher and defensive end who has shown flashes of brilliance during his time at LSU. At 6’6″ and 270 pounds, Gaye possesses the length, athleticism, and versatility to be a force on the edge. His ability to rush the passer with speed and power makes him a potential game-changer for Ohio State, particularly in their efforts to get after opposing quarterbacks. Gaye is a skilled pass rusher who has the tools to dominate in the SEC, and his skills would translate well into Ohio State’s defensive scheme.

Gaye’s experience at LSU, which is known for developing elite defensive talent, would make him an ideal fit for the Buckeyes. His pass-rushing ability would complement Ohio State’s aggressive defensive scheme and give them a consistent threat off the edge. Ohio State’s defense has made significant strides in recent years, but the addition of a player like Gaye would give them even more depth and explosiveness at defensive end.

Gaye could fill the role of a traditional 4-3 defensive end, where his size and athleticism would make him an immediate starter. Additionally, his experience in a high-profile SEC program would make him battle-tested and ready for the challenges of the Big Ten. His ability to get after the quarterback would provide Ohio State with an additional weapon in their pursuit of a national championship.