Ohio State could have inside track with top cornerback transfer portal target thanks to one major connection
Even as the College Football Playoff picture is top priority, the Ohio State Buckeyes are working the transfer portal as hard as any team. With registered interest in several top offensive linemen and defensive stars, their latest connection is especially interesting. Facing the possibility of losing four defensive backs to the NFL this offseason, the […]
Even as the College Football Playoff picture is top priority, the Ohio State Buckeyes are working the transfer portal as hard as any team. With registered interest in several top offensive linemen and defensive stars, their latest connection is especially interesting.
Facing the possibility of losing four defensive backs to the NFL this offseason, the Buckeyes are bracing for the worst-case where Davison Igbinosun and Jordan Hancock bolt alongside Denzel Ward and Lathan Ransom.
Adding Mansoor Delane from Virginia Tech could ease the pain, though.
Delane, who our team projected as a late Day 2, early Day 3 cornerback prospect after completing his third season at Virginia Tech, will be a senior in 2025. He's coming off a good season where all of his advanced numbers improved. I'm surprised he's not looking to jump to the NFL.
The Buckeyes would benefit and upgrade on Ward with Delane. He missed only 9.4% of tackles while holding receivers to 34 receptions on a 47.2% completion rate. He did allow seven touchdowns this season but also registered four interceptions.
Ohio State's defense could protect Delane, who is less grabby than Igbinosun and more instinctive than Ward. I didn't think Delane was getting cooked as much as he was the victim of great plays, more often than not.
The biggest factor in Ohio State's corner, in addition to the natural draw to playing at the school and improving his stock, is that his brother is joining the program in 2025. Faheem Delane is a 4-star safety committed to the Buckeyes.
Talk about a potential tandem deal at a time when the Buckeyes need help at both positions.
With three seasons of good to great PFF grades, improved tackling, and coverage stats, Delane is an ideal bridge candidate for 2025 until the young Buckeyes coming on board next fall are ready for a big role in the future.
