Ohio State is reportedly set to host a pair of non-Power Four trench players this week, with former Georgia Southern defensive tackle Troy Pikes and former Sam Houston State offensive tackle Orion Irving heading to Columbus on Friday.
Starting with Pikes (6-3, 290), the Atlanta native played in 13 games and started one last season with Georgia Southern, recording 13 tackles, a ½ tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry. He played in one game last season before redshirting, giving him three years of eligibility left entering the 2025 season.
Pikes would add to an Ohio State defensive line group that has been under a microscope of late due to its lack of depth, which has become a concern for head coach Ryan Day and his staff all offseason. The Buckeyes already hosted North Carolina standout defensive end Beau Atkinson on Monday, who led the Tar Heels in sacks last season with 7 ½.
Irving (6-6, 310), meanwhile, would be a solid addition to Tyler Bowen’s offensive line room on the outside. He played more than 1,000 snaps combined at right and left tackle at Sam Houston State, giving up just three sacks. The Houston native was also named a Conference USA All-Freshman team selection in 2023, a year in which he played in 10 games and started the final five.
Irving, who has two years of eligibility left, told 247Sports that he could also play guard at Ohio State, which could give the Buckeyes and Bowen another versatile lineman for 2025 and beyond.
Ohio State has yet to sign a player out of the transfer portal in the spring window, which opened on April 16 and closes April 25. The only Buckeye to have transferred out since the portal opened up is punter Anthony Venneri.
