Three players the Ohio State football team need to pursue in the transfer portal

3. Jaxon Howard

The defense is going to be nasty for the Ohio State football team this year. All of their starters are set in stone for 2024. Once 2025 gets here though, a lot of those guys are gone. They will need some new guys to step up and be ready to go. That's why Jaxon Howard should be a target for them.

Howard was recruited as an edge guy and played linebacker for LSU as a freshman in 2023. He only recorded three tackles, but he at least saw a bit of the field. If the Buckeyes decided to go after Howard, they would likely move him to defensive end.

Howard has some room to put on some weight to make that switch if necessary. With both J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer about to head to the NFL after 2024, Ohio State is going to need new guys to step up at DE. That's where Howard comes in.

Ohio State actually offered Howard back in 2021 when they were recruiting him early so there is an established relationship there. Larry Johnson could go right back and pick up where he left off with his recruiting of him if they wanted to pursue him in the portal.

As far as playing time this year goes, Howard might get some rotational snaps. His big chance for time would be in 2025. He's someone that Johnson could develop into the next great pass rusher for the Ohio State football team.