Latest NIL offer details could impact Ohio State's hopes of landing another superstar SEC defender
The Ohio State Buckeyes were the big transfer portal winner of the 2023-24 offseason, and it stands to reason they'll be big game hunting this year as well. After seeing the impact of star safety Caleb Downs, Ryan Day and the Buckeyes would likely entertain bringing in a 5-star pass-rusher who has been tremendous in […]
The Ohio State Buckeyes were the big transfer portal winner of the 2023-24 offseason, and it stands to reason they'll be big game hunting this year as well. After seeing the impact of star safety Caleb Downs, Ryan Day and the Buckeyes would likely entertain bringing in a 5-star pass-rusher who has been tremendous in his freshman season. After all, Dylan Stewart was projected to land with Ohio State before a late decision to go to South Carolina.
On Thursday, the Buckeyes might've had their dreams of reuniting that flame with Stewart this offseason dashed. Jordan Kaye of The State reported an NIL deal that will double Stewart's income with South Carolina is "in the works."
Does that mean the door is completely closed for the Buckeyes?
While Ohio State was able to nab fellow 5-star Eddrick Houston in the 2024 class, Stewart was even more of a crown jewel. The athletic edge defender has been phenomenal for the Gamecocks, and if he opened the possibility to transfer, it'd be hard to say Ohio State wouldn't be the favorite to land him.
After all, the Buckeyes showed they can spend with anyone, and the program isn't going anywhere as far as the College Football Playoff race. The door is open, which is partially why Downs came to Columbus.
At the time, Stewart had this to say, ""What led me to commit to them is the family vibe and they really care about you," Stewart told Hayes Fawcett of On3. "Two, it's the SEC. Three, I know I'm going to get developed because my coaches have done it at all levels and know what it takes. I click with the guys committed in the 2024 class and I'm very comfortable there. It's like a second home to me."
With 16 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles thus far, the 6-foot-6, 248-pounder projects to be an early first-round pick as soon as the 2027 NFL Draft. He's that good and impressive already. Only three other defensive linemen have been graded higher by PFF, and none are freshmen.
Kaye's report includes details that Stewart could get at least $1 million for a one-year deal with the school's NIL collective, The Garnet Trust. A lock to be a Freshman All-American, Stewart is already the highest-paid Gamecock.
Will the Buckeyes go back into the portal to find themselves a big fish anyways? We'll find out in the coming months.
