Former Rice Tackle Commits to Ohio State
Ohio State has secured a significant boost to its offensive line with the addition of former Rice offensive tackle Ethan Onianwa, who announced his commitment to the Buckeyes on Christmas Eve. Onianwa’s transfer brings a seasoned and skilled presence to the team, positioning him as a likely starter for the upcoming season.
The 6-foot-6, 345-pound lineman visited Ohio State on December 15 before choosing the Buckeyes over other notable programs, including Iowa, Texas A&M, Florida State, and Oklahoma. As a three-year starter for Rice, primarily at right tackle, Onianwa has one year of eligibility remaining and is expected to make an immediate impact.
In the 2024 season, Onianwa earned impressive grades from Pro Football Focus, including a 74.6 overall grade and a 79.3 pass-blocking grade. Over 350 pass-blocking snaps, he allowed just one sack, demonstrating his reliability and skill in protecting the quarterback. Ranked as the No. 13 offensive tackle in the transfer portal by 247Sports, Onianwa was originally a three-star recruit in the 2021 class.
Onianwa is the fifth transfer and second offensive tackle to join Ohio State this month, following the commitment of former Minnesota tackle Phillip Daniels on December 18. The pair is expected to anchor the Buckeyes’ offensive line next season, with Onianwa likely slotting in at left tackle and Daniels at right tackle.
While Onianwa’s commitment strengthens the Buckeyes’ offensive trenches, the team may not be done adding reinforcements. Former Northwestern offensive lineman Josh Thompson recently visited Ohio State, and the program remains connected to other linemen in the transfer portal. Any additional acquisitions would likely focus on interior linemen or adding depth to the tackle positions.
Onianwa’s commitment marks the fourth transfer for Ohio State in less than 24 hours, joining former Purdue tight end Max Klare, former West Virginia running back CJ Donaldson Jr., and former Idaho State defensive end Logan George. His addition underscores Ohio State’s aggressive approach in the transfer market as the team continues to bolster its roster for a competitive 2025 season.
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