The Ohio State football team has been sniffing around the transfer portal this Spring. There are a few positions of need that htey are trying to address, but none is bigger than help on the defensive line. They need help at both defensive end and defensive tackle.
Luckily for the Buckeyes, it looks like they will land some help at defensive end. Unfortunately, the Ohio State Buckeyes don't look like they will be getting help at defensive tackle yet. They were pursuing Syracuse defensive tackle Maraad Watson, someone who they thought could really help them.
Watson was choosing between Ohio State and Texas for his next destination. While Ohio State was in the thick of things, the Buckeyes ended up losing this recruiting battle. Watson has decided to sign with the Longhorns, furthering Ohio State's problems in the middle of the defense.
Ohio State football team loses out on Maraad Watson
With Watson deciding to play in the SEC, the Buckeyes have to look for help elsewhere. Getting Atkinson certainly seems like that will help Ohio State's immediate pass rushing needs. In the middle of the defense still needs some work, and they have a few other offers out there.
Atkinson is a better player than Watson is, so Tuesday can still be considered a win for the Buckeyes. They would rather have a really good pass rusher who has proven he can do it at the P4 level than a sophomore who hasn't played quite as much football.
As the Ohio State football team gears up to try to defend its national title, it needs guys who can play right away. That will be the focus with their defensive tackle hunting in the portal, although the pickings are starting to get pretty slim at this point.
We'll let you know if the Buckeyes are able to land any defensive tackles in the portal in the next few days.