Last season proved that the Ohio State football program is not afraid to use the transfer portal in pursuit of a title run. They were able to pick up a few guys who helped them go on the history. greatest four-game run in college football en route to winning it all.
As the Buckeyes try to defend their national title run, they didn't dip into the Transfer Portal quite as much. Still, they grabbed some guys who they think will be key in their title defense. No one will matter more in that regard than transfer left tackle Ethan Onianwa.
Onianwa transferred in from Rice to become Ohio State's starting left tackle. It's the second time that the Buckeyes have had to go to G6 school in order to get a starting left tackle, as they grabbed Josh Simmons from San Diego State a couple of years ago.
Ethan Onianwa will be the key to another Ohio State football championship run
Onianwa is the best option for them to use at left tackle. He's 6'6 and 357 pounds, so he's certainly got the size to man the blind side of a new quarterback, which is why he's such a key player. The Ohio State Buckeyes will have a new starting quarterback who has never started a game before.
Having someone who can protect a new QB is vital to the success of this team. Onianwa has to keep Julian Sayin upright, especially early in the season, as he tries to gain some confidence. Sayin is a great talent, but even those with great talent don't play well when they are constantly pressured.
If Onianwa is able to play well, the Buckeyes feel great about their chances to run it back and win a national championship. Despite all of the talent they lost, they still have plenty of that on this year's roster, too.