Ohio State’s defense should be one of the best in the country in 2024, and even though that side of the ball is loaded already, they could always add more depth. They could also go after one of their Big Ten rivals’ best players, who entered the spring transfer portal last week.
Ohio State Has Stars All Over Their Defense
The Buckeyes got very lucky this offseason when many of their star defenders decided they wanted to go back to school instead of heading to the NFL. Some of these huge names were defensive tackle Tyleik Williams, defensive ends J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, and defensive backs Lathan Ransom, Denzel Burke, and Jordan Hancock.
Ohio State just didn’t return almost every key defensive piece. Still, they also landed the best defensive transfer in the country in Alabama’s safety, Caleb Downs, and now they have a chance to land a star defensive tackle.
Derrick Harmon Could Be Heading To Columbus
Michigan’s State star defensive tackle Derrick Harmon entered the transfer portal early last week, and according to Steve Wiltfong and Pete Nakos from On3.com, Harmon is interested in joining the Buckeyes.
Colorado, Ohio State, Oregon, USC, and a return to Michigan State are on the table for DL transfer Derrick Harmon, per On3’s @SWiltfong_ & @PeteNakos_👀
Intel: https://t.co/B0LnYUIQWb pic.twitter.com/ObSo2Xd8En
— On3 (@On3sports) May 2, 2024
The 6-foot-5,320-pound defensive lineman entered the portal for the first time at the end of December last year and visited Ohio State on December 12th. However, he decided to remove his name from the portal and return to Michigan State. Still, he put his name back into the portal once spring ball ended last week.
Harmon enrolled at Michigan State in 2021, and last season, Harmon recorded 40 tackles with 3.5 for loss and 1.5 sacks.
Three Other Big Ten Schools Are In The Mix
There were also reports that three other Big Ten schools are in the mix for the Detroit, Michigan native, including Oregon, USC, and returning to Michigan State. Colorado is also on the list of schools, but they are heading to the Big 12 this season.
It will be interesting to see which school Harmon chooses, and one Big Ten school could be delighted if they do land the star defensive tackle.
