The Ohio State Buckeyes have landed some major playmakers from the transfer portal over the last two years. Caleb Downs, Quinshon Judkins, and Josh Simmons have been stars immediately upon reaching the program. Entering 2025, the Buckeyes will need to be aggressive once again.

The transfer portal has been a defining opportunity for programs. Money and playing time give athletes the chance to grow their game beyond what their previous situation could. Ohio State offers one of the biggest platforms in the nation.

With holes along the offensive line right now and in 2025, the Buckeyes must consider pursuing two recent All-Conference-level blockers.

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Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern

The most impactful and proven left tackle on the market thus far is Caleb Tiernan. The three-year starter was stellar for the Northwestern Wildcats in 2024, and his pass-blocking is exactly what the Buckeyes need. Graded by PFF as one of the best blindside pass protectors in the nation, Tiernan will be highly valued.

The massive 6-foot-7, 329-pounder turned in his best season yet, dramatically increasing his blocking efficiency. He allowed three sacks on the year, but only two quarterback hits, three penalties committed, and six hurries. His 98.4 pass-blocking efficiency is one of the best in the nation.

As well as Tiernan played in the passing game, his biggest growth was as a run-blocker. His grade jumped from an average range to being above-average. He largely played in a zone-based scheme, which is fine for Ohio State's near 50/50 split scheme.

The cost will surely not be cheap for Tiernan, but the Buckeyes had seemingly made their intentions known by not paying for elite prospects. Instead of writing blank checks for David Sanders and Josh Petty, program sources believe the Buckeyes will spread that money across several portal additions.

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Hunter Zambrano, OT, Illinois State

The other recent tackle addition to the portal is Hunter Zambrano. An NFL prospect entering the year, Zambrano could be the latest talent to elevate his profile in a significant way after moving up in competition. The bad news is the 6-foot-5, 305-pounder missed most of the 2024 season with an injury.

A South Florida native, Zambrano is another high-end pass blocker. With 1,637 snaps under his belt over four seasons, Zambrano has split time at left tackle and left guard. Over his career, he's allowed only seven sacks, 30 pressures, and 10 penalties. His 97.9 pass-block efficiency is a fantastic mark.

Would the jump in competition be risky? Sure. But that would be mitigated if Zambrano isn't guaranteed to start at either tackle job, and he can compete as a guard as well. There are other quality guards in the portal, but the Buckeyes need several blockers.