Ohio State’s options for adding a transfer defensive tackle are dwindling.
The Buckeyes missed out on one of their top targets at the position when former Georgia Southern defensive tackle Troy Pikes committed to South Carolina on Tuesday.
No where Near Finished pic.twitter.com/q4dxkqDrYI
— Troy Pikes (@TroyPikes33) April 29, 2025
Pikes had been Ohio State’s top transfer defensive tackle target after Syracuse transfer Maraad Watson committed to Texas. Pikes visited Ohio State last weekend, but ultimately chose to become a Gamecock instead.
Defensive tackle is Ohio State’s most obvious remaining need in the transfer portal as the Buckeyes look to fortify their depth behind projected starters Kayden McDonald and Eddrick Houston. With the transfer portal now closed for the offseason, however, there are limited options still available on the defensive tackle transfer market.
The most intriguing option still available at defensive tackle is Oklahoma State transfer Justin Kirkland, who just announced his entry into the transfer portal on Monday. At 6-foot-3 and 335 pounds, Kirkland would give the Buckeyes the big run-stopping nose tackle they need to pair with McDonald at that position.
Ryan Day said Tuesday that Ohio State is still pursuing a transfer defensive tackle, but “we’re not just gonna do it to do it,” saying any addition has to be an upgrade over what the Buckeyes already have.
If the Buckeyes don’t add a transfer defensive tackle this offseason, their top options to back up McDonald and Houston would be Jason Moore, Tywone Malone and Will Smith Jr., none of whom have seen consistent playing time at Ohio State. Ryan Day said several times this spring that Ohio State was looking for more consistency from its defensive tackles, prompting the Buckeyes’ search for a DT in the transfer portal.
