Ohio State Football: Latest commitments set to ignite the Buckeyes

Seth McLaughlin

Seth McLaughlin, from the Crimson Tide, committed to the Ohio State football program shortly after losing to the Michigan Wolverines in the CFP. McLaughlin started at the center position for Alabama this season, an area that struggled for the Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl.

"I really like the offensive line coach, Coach Frye, and trust him to get me to where I want to go as a player." Seth McLaughlin also said that he would like to play the Wolverines again, something Ohio State was able to use in their favor during recruitment.

With one year of eligibility remaining, the 6'4, 305-pound lineman will be able to help Ohio State and their offensive line in 2024. On 247 he was ranked the second-best interior offensive lineman in the transfer portal.

McLaughlin started every game in Alabama's 2023 season and had a good amount of snaps in his previous seasons. Although he started, this entire season we've seen him deal with snapping the ball too low for his quarterback Jalen Milroe.

Will Kacmarek

Will Kacmarek from the Ohio Bobcats, was the first player from the transfer portal to commit to Ohio State.

Ohio State's tight end in the 2023 season was Cade Stover, but he is now leaving for the NFL. Senior Joe Royer also announced that he was leaving the Ohio State football program back in December. Adding Macmarek will fill that hole, with senior Gee Scott Jr. and redshirt freshman Jelani Thurman.

For his two seasons with the Bobcats, he was able to accumulate 42 receptions for two touchdowns and just over 500 yards. He is very similar to Cade Stover in size, so the Buckeyes will most likely use Macmarek the same way.

On social media, he expressed that he was excited about this opportunity, and showed gratitude towards many for getting him to this position.

Will Howard

Finally, Ryan Day got a much-needed quarterback from the transfer portal in Will Howard. After the Cotton Bowl, it was clear Devin Brown and Lincoln Kienholz were not the answer for 2024.

The Kansas State Quarterback stands at 6'5 and 242 pounds, he fits very well in the Buckeyes offense and how it runs. Howard had been one of the top quarterbacks in the transfer portal, and ever since he entered everyone speculated he would come to Ohio State.

The Ohio State football team has had two pocket passers in C.J. Stroud and Kyle McCord, while Will Howard is more of a dual-threat quarterback. He is very good at avoiding the pressure and still making the play. Former Buckeyes Head Coach Urban Meyer compared Will Howard to the great JT Barrett.

Howard will bring leadership and experience with him to Columbus. He has played in 33 games, and a notable game he has played in was the Big XII in 2022, where he beat TCU, who made their way to the National Championship that year.

These three transfers address specific needs for the Ohio State football program, and their collective addition is expected to strengthen the team for the 2024 season. With improvements in key positions, the Buckeyes are aiming for a more successful campaign compared to their performance in the Cotton Bowl.