Another of Ohio State's early transfer portal targets is off the table.
Michigan State defensive tackle Derrick Harmon has exited the portal, sticking with the Spartans for his redshirt junior season in 2024.
Michigan State star d-lineman Derrick Harmon has withdrawn from the transfer portal, @mzenitz and I have learned for @247Sports.
— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) December 27, 2023
Harmon ranks as the No. 64 overall player and No. 1 DT in the @247SportsPortal rankings. Big win for the new MSU staff. https://t.co/OgPP0MDzrQ pic.twitter.com/AtDkUJgQbT
Harmon posted 40 tackles with 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in 2023 for a Michigan State squad that finished 4-8 and failed to reach a bowl game.
He visited Ohio State on Dec. 12 and also took trips to Oregon and Auburn before ultimately returning to East Lansing.
Harmon's decision comes one week after transfer linebacker target Kaleb Elarms-Orr pledged to TCU and six days after transfer safety target Kamari Ramsey opted for USC. Those were the only three transfer prospects to make December official visits to Ohio State, which has not yet added any transfers for the 2024 season.
At 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds with two years of starting experience, Harmon could have been a valuable addition to an Ohio State defensive tackle room that awaits NFL draft decisions from Mike Hall Jr., Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton. The Buckeyes may elect to see where those three stand before looking into other portal options at the position.
