It’s been highly publicized that North Carolina defensive end Beau Atkinson is visiting Ohio State on Monday, but the Buckeyes are also set to host two more intriguing transfer portal targets this week.
Former Georgia Southern defensive tackle Troy Pikes and former Sam Houston State offensive tackle Orion Irving have scheduled visits to Columbus on Friday, per multiple outlets.
While Pikes plays defensive tackle, the Buckeyes’ greatest position of need this transfer portal cycle, it’s not a guarantee he’d be an upgrade over any of Ohio State’s depth options at the position, but at the very least he’d provide competent additional depth.
Pikes played in 13 games last season for Georgia Southern and recorded 13 tackles, a half tackle for loss and nine quarterback pressures. He’s a stronger pass rusher than a run defender, with Pro Football Focus grading Pikes as a top-20 pass-rushing defensive tackle in the FBS with a grade of 78.8 last season. Should he commit to Ohio State, Pikes would likely play the three technique and play when Eddrick Houston needs a breather. Pikes has three years of eligibility remaining.
Meanwhile, adding offensive linemen hasn’t been as stern a talking point compared to the defensive counterparts, but Irving provides an opportunity to supplement an already strong unit with additional depth. Irving’s potential fit at OSU is somewhat intriguing, considering he only has two years of eligibility remaining and he’s not guaranteed by any means to be a starter at right tackle. In fact, he’d probably start out behind guys like Austin Siereveld and Phillip Daniels.
But Irving has given Sam Houston State consistent production in the past two seasons, playing more than 1,000 snaps combined at right and left tackle and only allowing three sacks.
Buckeyes reach out to BYU wide receiver transfer Keelan Marion
Brian Hartline very rarely pursues transfer portal wide receivers. So, it was a bit perplexing on Monday when it was revealed Ohio State has been in contact with former BYU wideout Keelan Marion, who will have one season of eligibility left. The Buckeyes were one of 19 teams to reach out to Marion since his entry into the portal, and you’d certainly figure they’re not going to win this recruitment if it comes down to the highest bidder.
BYU All-American transfer WR/KR Keelan Marion has heard from these 19 Schools since entering the Portal
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 21, 2025
In his career hes totaled 76 Catches for 1,125 YDs & 12 total TDs
Also has 38 Kick Return Attempts for 881 YDS & 3 TDshttps://t.co/N8tDFdeBDU pic.twitter.com/6SenFBdDdx
Still, the potential to develop under Hartline is hard to ignore for plenty of wide receivers. From Ohio State’s end, Marion would strengthen an already formidable unit. But perhaps more importantly, he’d give the Buckeyes a competent and electric kick returner.
In a four-year career that includes stops at UConn and BYU, Marion has recorded 76 catches for 1,125 yards and 12 touchdowns. As a kick returner, he’s returned 38 kicks for 881 yards and three touchdowns.
For the Cougars in 2024, Marion caught 24 passes for 346 yards and a touchdown and returned 18 kickoffs for 472 yards and two touchdowns. He was named a first-team All-American as a return specialist by various publications, including Phil Steele, the FWAA, Walter Camp, CBS Sports and Pro Football Focus.
Carlos Locklyn visits Favour Akih
As of Monday, Ohio State coaches are permitted to hit the recruiting trail again to visit various prospects. Running backs coach Carlos Locklyn stayed in-state for his first visit, visiting Delaware product Favour Akih.
I highly appreciate @Locklyn33 for stopping by today! Its always great to spend time, and learn from you!
— Favour Akih (@FavourAkih) April 21, 2025
GO BUCKS! @Birm @TonyJCoach @mickdwalker @Montgomery_DHHS pic.twitter.com/ztnWKljIGb
Akih visited Columbus four times this spring and has a ton of momentum with Ohio State heading into official visit season. Though he’s also considering USC and Miami, it would almost be a small surprise if he doesn’t end up in OSU’s class eventually.
