Ohio State picked up a big addition in the transfer portal today as it was announced that UCF transfer DT John Walker would be joining the Buckeyes. Walker was a target of Ohio State out of high school, but the Florida native ultimately chose UCF. Now, three years later, he will be a Buckeye.
BREAKING: UCF transfer DL John Walker has Committed to Ohio State, he tells @On3Sports
He’s totaled 59 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 FF, and 2 PD in 2 seasons with the Knights
Was named a 2023 Freshman All-American by On3https://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/CHbVl5WAva
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 6, 2026
Walker stands 6’4 and 324 pounds. He was graded as UCF’s best run defender this past season, with a 82.9 grade per Pro Football Focus. He has recorded 59 total tackles and 1.5 sacks in his college career up to this point.
Ohio State needs reinforcements all across the roster, but certainly on the defensive line. Defensive tackle Tywone Malone and defensive end Caden Curry both are out of eligibility, and it remains to be seen whether DT Kayden McDonald and/or DE Kenyatta Jackson enter the NFL Draft.
Walker’s addition is a big pickup in the transfer portal for Ohio State. He is the third player to commit to the Buckeyes in this portal cycle, joining tight end Mason Williams (Ohio) and long snapper Dalton Riggs (UCF).
