Ohio State Adds Veteran Depth with Dartmouth Transfer Vasean Washington, Continues Aggressive Recruiting Push
When it comes to building a championship-caliber offensive line, depth isn’t just a luxury - it’s a necessity. And Ohio State knows that better than most.
Even with a veteran-heavy unit expected to anchor the trenches in 2026, the Buckeyes aren’t leaving anything to chance. On Wednesday, they added another piece to the puzzle, landing Dartmouth transfer Vasean Washington via the portal.
Washington, a Springfield, Ohio native, brings more than just size and experience to Columbus - he brings a homecoming story and a chance to bolster a position group that can never have too many reliable bodies. At 6-foot-5 and 285 pounds, Washington is ranked as the No. 135 offensive tackle in the transfer portal by 247Sports. While he may not be in line to start right away, the Buckeyes clearly see value in his upside and experience.
This is a classic case of smart roster management. Washington isn’t just a body - he’s a player with game reps under his belt, someone who can step in when needed and hold his own. In a college football era where roster turnover is constant and portal departures are the norm, adding a veteran like Washington is the kind of move that helps you sleep better at night if you're on the coaching staff.
And make no mistake - Ohio State isn’t just reacting to departures. They’re being proactive, filling out their depth chart with players who can contribute now and develop into more down the line. Washington fits that mold perfectly.
Buckeyes Make West Coast Push for Elite 2027 Safety Honor Fa’alave-Johnson
While the transfer portal continues to reshape rosters in the short term, recruiting remains the lifeblood of any elite program. And Ohio State’s staff has been relentless this offseason, crisscrossing the country in search of future stars. On Wednesday, safeties coach Matt Guerrieri made a key stop on the West Coast, checking in on one of the top players in the nation - five-star safety Honor Fa’alave-Johnson out of San Diego.
Fa’alave-Johnson is the No. 16 overall player in the 2027 class and the top-ranked safety, according to the 247Sports Composite. With nearly 40 offers from college football’s blue bloods - Alabama, Georgia, USC, Oregon, Texas, and more - this is a national recruitment in every sense. But Ohio State is making it clear: Fa’alave-Johnson is a priority.
The Buckeyes’ pitch? It’s a compelling one.
With USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington now part of the Big Ten, Ohio State is more active on the West Coast than ever before. That means more games out west, more exposure, and more opportunities for elite prospects like Fa’alave-Johnson to stay closer to home while still competing at the highest level.
And this fall, Ohio State will get the chance to face USC in Los Angeles - a matchup that could carry weight not just in the standings, but in recruiting battles like this one.
The Buckeyes have a strong track record of developing defensive backs, and they’re not backing down in this race. They’ve shown time and again that when they zero in on a target, they stay in the fight until the end.
Quick Hits: Buckeyes Continue to Build 2027 Class with In-State Momentum
Ohio State’s 2027 recruiting class is already shaping up to be one of the best in the country. With nine commitments in the fold, the Buckeyes currently hold the No. 1 class according to Rivals and sit at No. 3 in the 247Sports rankings. And the momentum doesn’t appear to be slowing down.
The latest buzz surrounds in-state offensive tackle Davis Seaman, who recently received a Crystal Ball prediction in favor of the Buckeyes. At 6-foot-4 and 275 pounds, Seaman is ranked as the No. 439 overall player and the No. 38 offensive tackle in the class. He’s drawn over 20 offers from programs including Auburn, Penn State, Kentucky, and Illinois - but Ohio State looks to be in the driver’s seat.
A product of Bishop Watterson High School in Columbus, Seaman is right in the Buckeyes’ backyard. And it’s clear the staff has seen enough to feel confident about where things are headed. If he does end up committing soon, it would be another big win in a class that’s already off to a scorching start.
Bottom Line
Ohio State is operating like a program that understands the stakes. Whether it’s adding proven depth through the portal or chasing top-tier talent across the country, the Buckeyes are leaving no stone unturned. With a veteran-heavy 2026 team and a loaded 2027 class in the works, the foundation is being laid for sustained success - and the staff isn’t taking a single day off in the process.