Ohio State Faces Defensive Tackle Dilemma as Kayden McDonald Eyes NFL
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Kayden McDonald didn’t just step up for Ohio State this season - he exploded onto the scene. And now, his breakout campaign has the Buckeyes facing the kind of problem every elite program hopes to have: replacing a star who’s ready for the NFL.
McDonald’s rise from rotational piece to one of the Buckeyes’ most disruptive defensive linemen has been one of the season’s biggest storylines. Particularly in the back half of the year, he’s been a game-wrecker - commanding double teams, collapsing pockets, and making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. With that kind of tape, it’s no surprise he’s likely headed for the draft.
But for Ohio State’s defensive staff, that leaves a big hole in the middle of the line - and not a lot of obvious answers.
No Clear Replacement in Sight
The concern isn’t just that McDonald is leaving - it’s that there’s no clear next man up. Will Smith Jr., the presumed heir at defensive tackle, hasn’t shown the same kind of burst or disruptive ability that McDonald flashed even last year as a younger player. The flashes just haven’t been there.
That puts Ohio State in a tough spot heading into the offseason. The transfer portal opens January 2, and the Buckeyes have a narrow window to find someone who can step in and contribute right away. And not just fill a gap - potentially elevate the unit.
The thinking inside the program seems to be: if you’re not 100% sure someone on the roster can replace McDonald, you need to go get a guy who can. And even if you are sure? Why not try to get another McDonald-level player and create a true rotation of difference-makers?
The Cost of Competing
Of course, it’s not that simple. Defensive tackles are some of the most coveted - and expensive - players in the portal.
NIL has changed the game, and top-tier linemen are commanding serious money. For a program with championship aspirations, though, this is the price of doing business.
Ohio State has the resources and recruiting power to be a player in that market, but they’ll need to be strategic. The right fit matters, and so does the timing. The portal window is short, and the competition will be fierce.
Internal Options Still Developing
There’s still hope that someone already on the roster can take a leap. Eddrick Houston is a name to watch, and the coaching staff will be closely evaluating the development of younger players like Jason Moore and Eric Mensah. But none of them have shown enough - yet - to be penciled in as McDonald’s successor.
The incoming freshman class might offer long-term solutions, but asking a true freshman to anchor the interior of a College Football Playoff-caliber defense is a tall order.
Navigating the New Normal
This is the reality of college football in 2025. Even programs as stacked as Ohio State have to constantly manage roster turnover, NFL departures, and portal movement - all while staying in the hunt for a national title.
McDonald’s emergence was a big win for the Buckeyes. Now, his likely departure is the next big test. Whether the answer comes from within or through the portal, Ohio State has a critical decision to make - and not much time to make it.