Ohio State football: This guy is a must-have transfer

Former Oklahoma State safety Tanner McCalister has entered the transfer portal and is interested in the Ohio State football program. The Buckeyes need to do everything they can to land him. He is a must-have transfer.

McCalister would fill one of the biggest positions of need on the OSU defense. As I pointed out a few weeks ago, they can’t move ahead with Bryson Shaw at safety. After replacing Josh Proctor, who was lost with a season-ending injury, Shaw just did not get it done. There is a definite need to bring in McCalister.

The junior from Rockwall, Texas brings experience (21 starts over the last two seasons) and knowledge of new OSU defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ scheme. Knowles oversaw one of the country’s best defenses this season at Oklahoma State and is the reason McCalister is interested in Ohio State. He confirmed this to Bucknuts saying Coach Knowles is his guy.

At 5’11” and 195 pounds he is a tad smaller than what we’ve seen at safety for the Buckeyes. His size doesn’t matter to me. His ability to lock down the back end of the Ohio State defense and make plays is what does matter. Can McCalister do that? Considering he started for a defense ranked in the top five nationally this year, I’d say he can. Over the last two seasons, he had 75 tackles, ten pass breakups, and one interception.

While he has primarily played safety in his career, McCalister told Bucknuts something that caught my attention. He said wherever he goes he will play safety and possibly some nickel back. Could Ohio State be looking at him for the cover safety position (OSU’s version of a nickel back)?

One problem that flew under the radar because of the other issues with the Buckeye defense was the revolving door at cover safety. Four different players started there in 2021. Each time one of them seemed to have a grip on the position, they were replaced. If a viable candidate at free safety emerges in the spring, will McCalister move to cover safety? This is complete conjecture on my part, but something to keep an eye on.

Regardless of where he would line up, adding a player like McCalister can help this defense in a multitude of ways. He’s given no timeline for visits or a decision.