Ohio State's latest commitment isn't a super soldier or a blended scotch whisky, but he is a Power Four defensive tackle with plenty of upside.
Former UCF Golden Knight John Walker committed to Ohio State on Tuesday, strengthening the Buckeyes' defensive tackle depth for the 2026 season.
— John walker (@55problems__) January 6, 2026
The Walker File
- Year: Redshirt Junior
- Size: 6-4/324
- Pos: DT
- Previous School: UCF (2023-25)
- 2025 Stats: 40 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack, 1 FF
Walker spent the past three seasons at UCF, signing with the Golden Knights as a four-star recruit out of Osceola High School in Kissimmee, Florida. Walker was the No. 11 defensive lineman and No. 94 overall prospect in the 2023 class. With a 0.9537 247Sports composite score, Walker was the highest-rated signee in UCF history, as the Knights beat out Ohio State and others to land his commitment.
Walker appeared in 13 games as a freshman, recording 24 tackles and five tackles for loss. He missed the entire 2024 season with a leg injury but bounced back in 2025 with 40 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack and one forced fumble. Walker finished the season as the Golden Knights' top run defender, according to Pro Football Focus, earning an 82.9 grade. His overall grade for the year was 74.1.
Walker has two years of eligibility to use at Ohio State. He joins a defensive tackle room that includes Eddrick Houston, Will Smith Jr., Jason Moore, Eric Mensah, Jarquez Carter, Trajen Odom and Maxwell Roy, with Kayden McDonald still deciding whether to enter the 2026 NFL draft. The Buckeyes also bolstered the position in the 2026 recruiting class by signing Jamir Perez, Emanuel Ruffin and Damari Simeon.
Walker is Ohio State’s third transfer commit for 2026, joining former Ohio tight end Mason Williams and former UCF long snapper Dalton Riggs.
| CLASS | POS | NAME | STAR RATING | FORMER SCHOOLS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JR (RS) | TE | MASON WILLIAMS | ★★★ | OHIO |
| SR (RS) | LS | DALTON RIGGS | N/A | UCF, BYU |
| JR (RS) | DT | JOHN WALKER | ★★★★ | UCF |
