Ohio State football: Buckeyes in running for transfer linebacker

The Ohio State football team has done a good job of taking advantage of the transfer portal. They have a chance to grab another player from there this year.

It is an understatement to say the NCAA transfer portal has been kind to the Ohio State football program. Justin Fields, Jonah Jackson, and Trey Sermon all made immediate and significant impacts. Let’s not forget Chris Chugunov, who came over from WVU, proved a valuable and experienced backup to Dwayne Haskins and Justin Fields. It looks like they’re in the running for another who could make a prompt contribution.

Tennessee linebacker Henry To’o To’o has been on the Buckeyes’ radar since entering the transfer portal on January 20th. He’s considered the Vols’ best linebacker over the last two seasons and has nearly 150 tackles during that time span.

There were rumors a few weeks back about To’o To’o making a trip to Columbus on his own around Easter. Longtime Ohio recruiting expert Bill Kurelic of Bucknuts contacted the family to clarify the situation. The father of To’o To’o told him there was no trip planned at that time, but it could happen closer to May.

He went on to say OSU linebackers coach Al Washington and his son speak often, and the Buckeyes certainly have a quality program. To’o To’o is looking to transfer where he has the best relationship with the coaches and who he feels will best prepare him for the NFL.

The sophomore from Concord, CA plays inside but can move outside as well. If he were to join the Buckeyes, he would most likely battle Dallas Gant for the starting job at the Mike (middle) linebacker spot. Gant missed virtually all of spring practice with a foot injury but is expected to be ready when fall camp opens in a few months.

Ohio State’s main competition for To’o To’o is Alabama. The Tide recruited him in high school and built a relationship with him. It was such a strong relationship some felt there was no question where he’d end up.

While the NCAA passed a rule last week allowing underclassmen (To’o To’o has not yet graduated) immediate eligibility after a one-time transfer, the SEC still requires an underclassman who transfers within the conference to sit for a season.

Mike Farrell of Rivals feels To’o To’o’s interest in Alabama has faded because he will not be eligible right away. Some believe the Buckeyes are now the frontrunners to land his services.

I think To’o To’o and his family are going to delay their decision as long as they can while waiting to see if the SEC changes the rule like the ACC did recently. But, I don’t see this going beyond the next few weeks or so. He’s going to want to have plenty of time to get acclimated to the program before practice begins in just over three months.

This has quietly become one of the more interesting storylines of the off-season. The Ohio State football program has a real chance to add some proven, quality help to their defense. Stay tuned, folks.