Ohio State has made another major addition to its offensive trenches.
Former Rice offensive tackle Ethan Onianwa committed to the Buckeyes on Christmas Eve, giving Ohio State a likely starter at tackle for next season.
The Onianwa File
- Year: Redshirt Senior
- Size: 6-6/345
- Pos: OT
- Previous School: Rice (2021-24)
- Stats: 34 starts at Rice (9 at RT in 2024, 13 at RT in 2023, 12 at RT and LT in 2022)
Onianwa visited Columbus on Dec. 15 and also was interested in Iowa, Texas A&M, Florida State and Oklahoma. The 6-foot-6, 345-pound offensive tackle has been a three-year starter for Rice, primarily playing right tackle for the Owls. He'll have one season of eligibility remaining.
Per Pro Football Focus’ grades, Onianwa earned an overall grade of 74.6 and a pass-blocking grade of 79.3 in 2024. He only allowed one sack on 350 pass-blocking snaps last season. Per 247Sports' transfer rankings, Ethan Onianwa is considered the No. 13 offensive tackle on the transfer market. He was a three-star prospect as a recruit in the 2021 recruiting class.
Onianwa is the fifth transfer prospect and the second offensive tackle to commit to Ohio State this month. Former Minnesota offensive tackle Phillip Daniels committed to Ohio State on Dec. 18, and it's very possible Onianwa and Daniels make up the starting combination for the Buckeyes on the opposite sides of the offensive line next fall. It's easy to envision Onianwa ending up at left tackle and Daniels starting at right tackle for OSU.
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) December 24, 2024
Welcome to , @EthanOnianwa pic.twitter.com/AlFzjvXnYp
As we mentioned, Onianwa immediately figures to be in the driver's seat to start at left or right tackle for next season, but the Buckeyes could still add to the offensive trenches for next season. Former Northwestern offensive lineman Josh Thompson recently took a visit to Ohio State, and the Buckeyes have been connected to various other linemen this winter. With two tackles committed for next season, any further additions would likely be either for the interior or for depth on the outside.
Onianwa was the fourth transfer to commit to Ohio State in a span of 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.
