3 Ohio State defensive lineman targets in the transfer portal

It's no secret that Ohio State has been searching for interior defensive line help in the transfer portal this spring cycle. A concern for defensive line depth was one of the key takeaways from the spring game.

Following the spring game, Ryan Day answered a question from the media about whether he feels they have what they need at the defensive line right now: "I think we've got to take a hard look at it. I don't think I have the answer right now. But we've got to look at it. It seemed to me like there was just a lot of knockback on the offensive side of the ball here. But then again, I don't want to make any judgments until I watch the film."

Since the transfer portal spring window opened on Wednesday, Ohio State has been searching for targets, and one of them became an immediate target as soon as he entered the portal. Oklahoma defensive lineman and former five-star recruit David Stone entered the portal on Friday, and Ohio State was named "a school to watch" by Ohio State recruiting insider Bill Kuerlic of Bucknuts. Even prior to that, Ohio State fans were buzzing for the Buckeyes to go after him, as Stone would be someone who could not only add depth but also compete for a starting role next season.

Unfortunately for Ohio State, David Stone announced on Sunday night that he would withdraw his name from the transfer portal and further his career at Oklahoma.

Where does Ohio State go from here?

Ohio State finds itself in a difficult position. With a plethora of teams in college football looking to add starting defensive linemen through the transfer portal, it is difficult for the Buckeyes to add players as depth when other teams are trying to add them as starters.

Plus, the majority of players who are leaving starter roles to enter the portal don't want to be promised less playing time with their new team. Not only is Ohio State seeking talented players, but it is also looking for individuals who embody a team-first mentality. Here are a few options that have been connected to Ohio State:

Syracuse transfer Maraad Watson

On3's Hayes Fawcett reports that Ohio State is one of the schools "heavily in the mix" and a "school to watch" for Syracuse transfer Maraad Watson.

Watson was a freshman All-American last season after totaling 31 tackles and 1 sack. Pro Football Focus gave him a defensive grade of 65.1 and a run defense grade of 77.4. Most of his snaps were in the B-gap, with 289 plays out of his 493 total from that alignment.

North Carolina transfer Beau Atkinson

Per On3's Spencer Holbrook, Atkinson is expected to visit Ohio State on Monday after visiting Georgia on Friday.

Atkinson has been a consistent contributor in his two-year career with North Carolina. He recorded 54 tackles, 11 sacks, and one forced fumble. But it was last year when he broke out and had 35 tackles and 7.5 sacks. Pro Football Focus graded Atkinson with an overall grade of 77 in 2024. He graded 74.3 in run defense and scored 76.2 in pass rushing over 381 defensive snaps a year ago.

However, Atkinson is considered an edge or defensive end, as he can play with his hand on the ground or standing up. It is unclear how he would aid in Ohio State's defensive line depth, but Ohio State has not been shy about moving players around the line, and with a new defensive coordinator in Matt Patricia, the line could mold and change with the personnel.

Georgia Southern transfer Troy Pikes

Ohio State will host Georgia Southern defensive lineman Troy Pikes next weekend, per On3's Mick Walker.

Pikes recorded snaps in all 13 games while making one start last season. He had 13 stops, including half a tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry. Pro Football Focus graded Pikes with an overall grade of 67.9 in 2024. He graded 58.1 in run defense and scored 78.8 in pass rushing over 293 defensive snaps a year ago.