The least talked about Ohio State transfer portal addition has proven to be arguably the most important for the Buckeyes
There is an underrated Ohio State starter who was once an under the radar transfer portal addition. That is changing very quickly.
While the Ohio State Buckeyes’ 2024 team was built mostly off of homegrown talent and development, the Transfer Portal was very good to them as well last season. That includes star safety Caleb Downs, who is arguably the best defensive player in all of college football. You also got massive contributions from starting quarterback Will Howard, running back Quinshon Judkins, and center Seth McLaughlin prior to injury.
Before this season, head coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes once again attacked the portal for even more talent. There were some additions that brought a level of hype, including former Purdue tight end Max Klare, West Virginia running back CJ Donaldson, and UNC pass rusher Beau Atkinson. Even former Rice offensive tackle Ethan Onianwa came in with some big expectations, mostly built off of his sheer size and power.
So far in 2025, most of those portal additions have been somewhat underwhelming. Atkinson has been a valuable member in that defensive end room, while Donaldson is averaging less than five yards per carry, Klare has underperformed, and Onianwa is just a backup offensive lineman. It is the underrated member of that portal class, former Minnesota offensive tackle Phillip Daniels, who has exceeded the initial hype.
For a part of this offseason, it was uncertain if Daniels would even be starting at right tackle. He just started a handful of games with the Golden Gophers, so many Buckeye fans didn’t really know what to expect from the junior offensive lineman. Not only has Daniels started for Ohio State, but you could make a strong argument that he has been the team’s best player up front so far.
Pillar of the offensive line
At 6-5 and 315 pounds, Daniels is an extremely physical right tackle who excels most with his impact in the run game. He is also a good overall athlete who has done nice work in pass protection so far. Daniels has brought some swagger to that group of offensive linemen, talking the talk, but also continuing to walk the walk as well. His presence has definitely been felt.
Daniels’ father of the same name was a former fourth round selection by the Seattle Seahawks in the 1996 NFL Draft. The older Daniels, who was a very talented defensive lineman, played a total of 14 years in the league for the Seahawks, Chicago Bears, and Washington Redskins. He managed to collect 516 total tackles, 72 tackles for loss, 62 sacks, and 14 forced fumbles during his 201-game career.
The younger Daniels, who was viewed by many as a dart throw by Ohio State, is now showing that he is also going to have an NFL future. Daniels has two more years of eligibility remaining following this season, so I’m sure the Buckeyes staff is hoping he hangs around at least through the 2026 season. They could have their mainstay at right tackle and a potential star if Daniels continues to develop well.
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