Julian Sayin is set to lead what many believe could be a national championship-caliber offense at Ohio State. The team reportedly invested around $20 million in NIL deals for its 2024 roster, according to Athletic Director Ross Bjork. Despite that, the offensive line took several major hits during the season but continued to push through adversity. As head coach Ryan Day enters the 2025 season following a successful campaign, he’s focused on strengthening the offensive line to better protect his standout quarterback. The spring transfer portal may also offer further opportunities for key additions.
Sam Houston State offensive tackle Orion Irving is entering the transfer portal.
A 2023 Conference USA All-Freshman Team selection. https://t.co/wMrfFrcNOy pic.twitter.com/aoqLonGr8u
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) April 16, 2025
During the game against Oregon, Ohio State suffered a big blow when standout offensive lineman Josh Simmons was declared out for the season due to injury. His replacement, Zen Michalski, also sustained a season-ending injury later on. Seth McLaughlin was injured during practice, prompting Carson Hinzman to step in. In the Michigan game, Austin Siereveld took the field despite limited playing time earlier in the season. That game exposed the O-line’s struggles, as they gave up 13 quarterback pressures and allowed 4 tackles for loss. These issues have made it clear that bolstering the offensive line is a top priority for Day moving forward.
Ryan Day is now actively working to build depth at the offensive tackle position through the transfer portal. Ohio State is currently ranked 37th in the 247Sports Transfer Portal Rankings. So far, two four-star offensive linemen—Phillip Daniels from Minnesota and Ethan Onianwa from Rice—have been brought in. Reports also indicate that Day may pursue another addition: Orion Irving from Sam Houston State has emerged as a potential target. Irving, entering his redshirt sophomore season, is exploring new opportunities.
Irving stands at 6’6″ and 310 pounds. He started the final five games of the 2023 season at right tackle and earned a spot on the Conference USA All-Freshman Team. In 2024, he played limited snaps while recovering from injury but appeared as a left tackle, showcasing versatility that makes him appealing to Ohio State. Day is aiming to add two more offensive linemen, and Irving’s name is now in the mix.
While many programs are seeing major shifts in their rosters due to the spring transfer portal, Ohio State has remained unusually stable. With only minimal departures from deep down the depth chart, Day hasn’t lost any of his key players. The team’s retention has been praised as a significant accomplishment in today’s constantly shifting college football landscape.
A notable point raised in recent commentary is that most of the players who’ve transferred from Ohio State are not crucial to the core roster. The transfers involve lesser-used players, allowing Day to focus on building strong backup depth. In past portal cycles, Ohio State experienced more significant losses, such as Will Howard, Jack Sawyer, and J.T. Tuimoloau. The current situation shows improvement and a more solidified team culture.
Day’s ability to retain his main players and avoid losing talent to the portal is seen as a major victory. It also gives him the flexibility to selectively strengthen the roster with talented depth pieces. With a steady foundation and a few key additions, Ohio State is positioning itself as a strong contender for the national title once again.