Most intriguing transfer portal options at defensive tackle

Most intriguing transfer portal options at defensive tackle #GoBucks

We already broke down our expectations for how Ohio State could handle the quarterback position (which it has handled) and then dove into the possible running backs (which it has also handled). We also recently covered the wide receiver position (if things break a certain way), tight ends, and offensive tackleguards, and of course, the center position that was also already addressed by the staff. But now, we have also moved onto the defensive side of the ball and hit on the defensive ends and we want to now dive into the interior at defensive tackle.

Again, as we have been saying, we are pretty late into the portal game, but I wanted to highlight some guys that would have been interesting fits for Ohio State and a few that may still be available. The big takeaway on this list is that the Michigan State Spartans are making moves to keep some of their best studs, but let’s dive into the list.

Ohio State transfer target will not visit this weekend, will go to Miami instead

The Buckeyes portal struggles continue

It looked like transfer portal defensive tackle [autotag]Marley Cook[/autotag] was highly considering Ohio State as a destination, especially considering he put them in his top 3 last week.

The plan was for the former Middle Tennessee State star to visit Columbus this coming weekend, but on Wednesday night, there was a change of plans. Cook will now visit Miami instead, another one of this top schools, which effectively puts the Buckeyes in a bad position.

If I were go guess, Cook does not end up committing to Ohio State, and will finish his collegiate career elsewhere. It’s another transfer portal miss for the Buckeyes, which is becoming all too common over the past few years.

Miami has been a thorn in the Buckeyes side during this recruiting cycle, as they already flipped 5-star defensive tackle Justin Scott and are working on other Florida native Ohio State commits as well.

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Vols offer Middle Tennessee State defensive line transfer

Vols offer Middle Tennessee State defensive line transfer.

Middle Tennessee State junior defensive tackle Marley Cook entered the NCAA transfer portal on Nov. 27.

Tennessee offered a scholarship to Cook on Nov. 30.

“Blessed to receive an offer from the University of Tennessee,” Cook announced.

The 6-foot-2, 298-pound defensive lineman appeared in 49 games for the Blue Raiders from 2019-23. He recorded 61 tackles, 19 tackles for a loss, 10.5 sacks, one interception, three pass deflections, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one block at Middle Tennessee State.

Student-athletes can enter the NCAA transfer portal from Dec. 2 until Jan. 2, 2024. Players can also enter the NCAA transfer portal from April 15-30, 2024.

READ: Updated Tennessee football NCAA transfer portal tracker

Ohio State offers Middle Tennessee defensive tackle transfer

The Buckeyes are looking to the transfer portal to fill a need at defensive tackle. #GoBucks

In the wake of Ohio State football losing 5-star defensive tackle Justin Scott from its 2024 recruiting class, the Buckeyes were quick to make an offer to a transfer portal prospect.

Middle Tennessee lineman, [autotag]Marley Cook[/autotag], entered the portal just three days ago, and multiple Power-Five schools have offered him a scholarship. On Thursday morning, the Buckeyes joined the mix for the 6-foot, 2-inch and 298-pound tackle.

Cook is coming off a season where he registered 22 tackles, a sack and forced a fumble. The numbers aren’t gaudy, as he struggled this past season, but in 2022 he did have 6.5 sacks earning first-team C-USA honors.

The quick nature of the offer following the Scott news makes sense, go after a player who is proven and can contribute right away. Losing a 5-star recruit hurts, but getting Cook as a replacement would make the sting hurt less.

Contact/Follow @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Michael Chen on X.