Ohio State’s primary focus is on Friday’s College Football Playoff semifinal matchup against Texas, but the Buckeyes are working to upgrade their roster for next season in the meantime.
With multiple defensive stars expected to graduate or head to the NFL Draft, Ryan Day and Co. are in the market for a star pass-rusher in the NCAA Transfer Portal. And they look to be the favorite to land him, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM).
Georgia outside linebacker and former 2023 five-star Damon Wilson announced intentions to enter the portal earlier this week after two seasons in Athens. And the Buckeyes have immediately shot to the top of the list, according to On3 national insiders Pete Nakos and Steve Wiltfong. Both logged picks in favor of OSU to land Wilson.
And on Wednesday, LettermenRow.com’s Alex Gleitman did the same.
“With Wilson’s official entry, the Buckeyes are viewed as top contenders,” Nakos wrote on Tuesday. “On3’s Steve Wiltfong and I have logged predictions with 60% confidence for Ohio State to land Wilson.”
Buckeyes close to adding a burgeoning star
The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder was one of the nation’s best recruits two years ago. He ranked as the No. 20 overall prospect and No. 3 EDGE in the 2023 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
But after two years with the Bulldogs, he is looking for a bigger role. In 26 games over the past two seasons, he has amassed 26 tackles, including seven for loss, as well as 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. He was expected to be a key contributor to UGA’s defense next year, but is looking to have a role locked in. And the Buckeyes have plenty of playing time available with both Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau gone after this season.
Ohio State was actually one of his final four schools as a recruit, along with Miami, Texas and Georgia.
