Buckeyes Secure 4 Transfer Portal Commitments This Week

Photo by Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

No. 8 seed Ohio State (11-2) won their first-round College Football Playoff matchup against No. 9 seed Tennessee (10-3) 42-17 on Dec. 21. On top of that monumental win, they would then receive an avalanche of positive news just two days later. On Dec. 23, head coach Ryan Day and his Buckeyes received commitments from four different Transfer Portal players, each helping to fill much-needed gaps in the roster.

CJ Donaldson Jr., Running Back

At 6-foot-2, 238 pounds, Donaldson averaged 4.5 yards carry last year with West Virginia. He would finish the season with 734 yards and 11 touchdowns. Donaldson will be the veteran presence in the running back room for the Buckeyes next year. James Peoples will be in his second year after showing promise with his limited carries in blowout games this season. Ohio State then will have three highly-rated freshman on the roster that they were hoping to not have to immediately rely on for production. The addition of Donaldson will help ensure that. He is a tremendous all-around back, with his previous experience at tight end helping him as a receiver. Donaldson also is very physical while still showing incredible. burst with his acceleration through rushing lanes. He is reliable, experienced and will help round out the unit well.

Logan George, Defensive End

George spent the last two seasons at FCS Idaho State after originally being at Utah State as a preferred walk-on as a true freshman. The 6-foot-5, 259 pound three-star transfer prospect started each of the team’s 12 games last season.

He would finish with 57 total tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. George will help fill the loss of production with seniors Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau leaving after this year. His strength as a run-stopper and ability to still find lanes to the passer will make for a welcome addition to the defensive front.

Max Klare, Tight End

Klare was one of a few bright spots on the Purdue offense in 2024. The team might have struggled, but Klare was very productive. The Transfer Portal’s No. 1-ranked TE racked up 685 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns on 51 catches last year. The 6-foot-4, 240 pound playmaker really excelled with the ball in his hands last season. He showed a strong ability to make defenders miss in the open field after securing the catch. Klare should step right into the starting role with Seniors Gee Scott Jr. and Will Kacmarek both moving on in 2025.

Ethan Onianwa, Offensive Tackle

Onianwa’s commitment fills a gaping hole the Buckeyes had at tackle next season. They lose both starters after this year and will be very young at that position overall. Onianwa performed very well at Rice in 2024, only giving up a single sack on 350 pass-blocking snaps. He also would grade out at 74.6 overall according to Pro Football Focus. They recently added Minnesota transfer Phillip Daniels as well, who will likely slide in to right tackle. At 6-foot-6, 345 pounds, Onianwa will most likely move directly into that left tackle spot. The new tandem will bring a little extra, much-desire experience to the line. With Onianwa, his size and skill should help the Ohio State offensive line keep its spot as one of the top groups in the conference next season.

The Buckeyes in 2025

The Buckeyes put together another excellent high school recruiting class in 2025. Despite their consistent success there in recent years, the roster still had various gaps on paper that needed addressed before next season. They quite literally seemed to address their four biggest issues all in one day when receiving commitments from those players. Each of the four will likely be major contributors next year and will all have crucial roles to fill. Day and his staff have proven now time and time again that they are amongst the best in the country when it comes to utilizing the Transfer Portal to supplement their team's growing needs.