Offensive line continues to be an area of priority in the portal; Jeremiah Smith gets snubbed

The Buckeyes continue to pursue top transfer portal offensive linemen.

Under a week until its next playoff game, Ohio State is locked in looking to make the first round performance continue on. A dominant win that is still being talked about, this edition of the Buckeyes has the look of a national title contender. If the staff and players can keep that momentum going, the ultimate goal for this team is not too far fetched.

Also knee deep in the transfer portal recruiting efforts, the Oregon game isn’t the only aspect of the program the staff is monitoring constantly, and specific position groups continue to be a focal point. Maybe not a super newsworthy Thursday, Ohio State has plenty going on.

Offensive line continues to be a portal focus for the Buckeyes

With two major offensive line additions to Ohio State’s 2025 roster via the transfer portal, the Buckeyes have to be pleased with the efforts they’ve spent thus far when it comes to identifying top available players and closing the deal. Having positions open and needing depth, Justin Frye couldn’t strike out this first portal window, and fortunately they haven’t.

Landing both Phillip Daniels and Ethan Onianwa, Ohio State likely has their right and left tackles for the 2025 campaign now in hand. Still, the Buckeyes are looking to keep up their efforts and success, as at least one more addition up front seems to be the goal for this coaching staff.

Likely targeting at a swing position player, the Buckeyes have seen the likes of Tegra Tshabola, Carson Hinzman, Austin Siereveld, and most recently the combination of Luke Montgomery and Joshua Padilla all seem to be options to start, but with how many games it takes to win it all these days, depth is paramount to a team’s success.

Looking at potential candidates, Ohio State has already been in contact with Michigan native and Northwestern transfer product Josh Thompson, and his awaited decision may still be up in the air. Per the On3 expert predictions, Thompson was pegged to the Buckeyes with a slight lead over Auburn. Earlier this week however, Tennessee came in and took the lead.

Thursday saw a lead change once again, and Ohio State appeared to back in favor. A 6-foot-4, 290 pound offensive tackle, Thompson would be another major win for the program who wants nothing more than to have too many good options for five spots. Whether he’s a tackle or potentially a guard, the efforts look to be ongoing. At this time, it still seems as though Auburn or LSU are more likely landing spots for the former Wildcat.

Elsewhere, Ohio State may want to check in with another fellow Big Ten offensive lineman, as Illinois started Zy Crisler listed his name in the transfer portal with a new destination in mind.

A 6-foot-6, 335 pound interior lineman, Crisler has spent the last three years as a starter for the Fighting Illini, and comes off of two honorable mention all-conference worthy seasons. Hailing from Mississippi, it’s in the cards for Crisler to look closer to home for his next school, but playing in the same conference already, Ohio State would make for an easy transition. You’d have to believe the staff will be keeping close tabs to this latest portal entry.

The No. 160 player nationally and the 13th best interior lineman per the 247Sports rankings, it won’t take long for several programs to try and get in the mix. It would be a surprise if Ohio State wasn’t one of them. Focusing on their upcoming quarterfinal game with Oregon, the recruiting efforts may not be the top priority, but if a player such as Crisler is in the portal, the attention has to be paid.

Odds are the Buckeyes will reach out in the near future if they really are looking to continue adding at least one more addition to their offensive line.

Quick Hits

• It wouldn’t be a stretch to say Ohio State freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith is the most talented player on the current roster. It also wouldn’t be a real stretch to say he’s the top receiver in the country, even only at just 19 years of age.

However, apparently it would be a stretch to name him the Shaun Alexander Freshman Football Player of the Year, as Smith was snubbed in favor of Texas defensive end, Colin Simmons. No slight on Simmons, this should only add fuel to the fire for Smith’s continued efforts the rest of this season. Fresh off a two-touchdown performance against Tennessee, Smith now totals 63 receptions for 1,037 yards, and 12 touchdowns on the year.

An incredible freshman debut, Jeremiah Smith is second to nobody. While this award debatably went to the wrong recipient, Smith has at least one more game to show why Ohio State has the best freshman in the country regardless of what anyone says.