Ohio State football fills a major need via the transfer portal – and he’s going to have a chance to start for the Buckeyes in 2026

The Buckeyes have added a defender from the transfer portal.

Brandon Little — Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer
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The Ohio State Buckeyes are on the board with their first big transfer portal addition. 

Ohio State added blocking tight end Mason Williams from Ohio University to start the week — and now they’re adding their first defender from the portal. 

Ohio State lands UCF transfer DT John Walker over Florida State

According to On3, Ohio State has received a transfer portal commitment from DT John Walker. Walker is a former top-100 recruit that the Buckeyes recruited out of Florida — and now they land him a couple of years later in the portal. 

Walker played in 12 games in 2025 and made 40 tackles (three for a loss), plus a sack from the interior at UCF. Walker was named a True Freshman All-American in 2023 as a true freshman when he made 24 tackles (five for a loss) and a half sack. The 6-foot-4, 324-pound defensive tackle is a key addition for Matt Patricia’s defense. 

Ohio State is likely to lose DT Kayden McDonald to the NFL draft process and they’ll need a starter alongside Eddrick Houston. Tywone Malone Jr. is out of eligibility, so it was key that the Buckeyes brought in reinforcement. Walker fits the mold of a run stopper and is going to have a chance to compete for a starting spot along with Will Smith Jr., Jason Moore, and Jarquez Carter. 

The Buckeyes tried to land Walker when he was a top-100 player out of Osceola (FL). Ohio State gets him a couple of years later with more development under his belt. Walker will have two years of eligibility left at the college level. Ohio State still has multiple moves they have to make in the portal — expect this to still be just the beginning.

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