As Ohio State gears up for the Cotton Bowl against Miami, the Buckeyes are once again juggling postseason prep with the ever-complicated timing of the Transfer Portal. It’s a familiar balancing act - trying to win a major bowl game while also keeping one eye on roster construction for next season. And with the portal wide open, Ohio State has some key decisions to make, especially with a few expected departures on the horizon.
The Buckeyes are likely to lose at least two players to the portal themselves, but the bigger storyline right now is who they might bring in. If Ohio State wants to stay in the thick of the national title conversation next year, they’ll need to hit on a few impact additions. And there are three names that stand out as potential fits - players who not only fill positional needs, but also come with some intriguing backstories that tie them to the program.
1. Chaz Coleman - Edge Rusher
Let’s start with the name that’s generating the most buzz: Chaz Coleman. The former five-star edge rusher was once a top target for Ohio State before ultimately committing to Penn State. But with James Franklin now out of the picture in Happy Valley, Coleman has made it clear he’s entering the portal - and suddenly, the Buckeyes might have a second chance.
Coleman is a Warren, Ohio native, so the hometown connection is real. And with Ohio State’s defensive line set to lose a significant chunk of its core for the second straight year, there’s a clear need for someone who can step in and contribute right away.
Coleman fits that mold. He’s explosive off the edge, has the frame to hold up in the Big Ten, and already knows what it’s like to compete at a high level.
If the Buckeyes can seal the deal this time around, it would be a massive addition.
2. Amaris Williams - Edge Rusher
If Coleman ends up going elsewhere, Amaris Williams becomes a very solid Plan B - though in truth, landing both wouldn’t be out of the question. Williams, who just wrapped up a stint at Auburn, is also an edge defender and another player Ohio State was in on during his high school recruitment. He even took an official visit to Columbus back then, so the familiarity is there.
Williams comes with two years of SEC experience under his belt, including 2.5 sacks during his time with the Tigers. He may not have the same five-star pedigree as Coleman, but he brings valuable depth and rotational upside to a position group that’s going to need fresh legs next fall. He’s strong, quick, and has shown flashes of being a disruptive presence off the edge - exactly the kind of profile that can thrive in Ohio State’s defensive system.
3. Khmori House - Linebacker
While most of the portal buzz is centered on edge rushers, linebacker is another area where Ohio State could use some reinforcements. With Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese both declaring for the NFL Draft - and likely to hear their names called early - the Buckeyes are suddenly thin at the second level.
Enter Khmori House, a veteran linebacker who’s bounced around a bit in his college career but brings experience from multiple Power Four programs. He’s not coming in to be a star, and he likely wouldn’t be a starter, but that’s not the point.
House would provide valuable depth, leadership, and insurance - the kind of player you want in the room when the season gets long and injuries start to pile up. If the younger linebackers aren’t quite ready for prime time, House could be a steadying presence.
The Bottom Line
Ohio State’s Transfer Portal strategy this cycle isn’t just about filling holes - it’s about reloading with players who can make an impact right away. Whether it’s a high-upside edge rusher like Chaz Coleman, a proven SEC contributor like Amaris Williams, or a savvy veteran like Khmori House, these are the types of additions that can keep the Buckeyes in the playoff conversation.
The timing may not be ideal - juggling bowl prep with portal recruiting is never easy - but that’s the new normal in college football. And for a program with championship aspirations, there’s no time to waste.