The Buckeyes have been active in the transfer portal this offseason-but it looks like their shopping spree is over. After a slow start, Ohio State made up for lost time last week, especially in the secondary, where they added much-needed depth following some key departures. But while the defensive backfield got a boost, the offensive line-specifically the left tackle spot-missed out on a major opportunity to level up.
That opportunity? Jordan Seaton.
Seaton, a highly regarded offensive lineman who entered the portal after his stint at Colorado, was one of the most sought-after players available. He had the kind of talent that could’ve made an immediate impact in Columbus.
Plugging him in at left tackle would’ve allowed the Buckeyes to shift Austin Siereveld to right guard-a position that’s been a sore spot for the past couple of seasons. It was a move that could’ve reshaped the entire offensive front.
Instead, Seaton committed to LSU. And here’s the kicker: he never even visited Ohio State.
The Buckeyes didn’t bring him in for a visit, didn’t make a serious push. It wasn’t just a swing and a miss-it was a bat left on the shoulder.
Now, there’s a lot of chatter about why Ohio State didn’t go after him harder. Maybe it came down to NIL demands.
Seaton was rumored to be looking for a hefty deal-potentially quarterback-level money. And while that might raise eyebrows, especially for an offensive lineman, the reality is that the NIL landscape is still the Wild West.
There’s no salary cap, no real enforcement, and schools are operating with vastly different approaches. Some programs are all-in on NIL deals, others are more cautious.
Ohio State, in this case, appeared to take the latter route.
Head coach Ryan Day seems content with the group he has returning next season, and he’s putting his trust in new offensive line coach Tyler Bowen to develop the current roster. There’s talent in the room, no doubt-but there’s also uncertainty. The right guard position has been a revolving door, and the line as a whole hasn’t consistently played up to Ohio State’s championship standard.
Seaton could’ve helped change that. He’s not just a highly rated player-he’s the kind of lineman who can anchor a unit, set the tone, and make life easier for the quarterback and running backs alike. Missing out on him doesn’t doom the Buckeyes’ title hopes, but it does leave a lingering “what if” as they head into the spring.
For now, the focus shifts to development. The portal is closed, the roster is (mostly) set, and the Buckeyes are betting on internal growth over splashy additions.
Whether that gamble pays off will depend on how quickly Bowen can mold the line into a cohesive, reliable unit. Because if Ohio State is going to make a serious run at a national title next season, it’s going to start in the trenches.