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Ohio State Buckeyes now have the final piece they need to add in the spring transfer portal waiting on them

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Apr 28, 2025 8:04 PM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes have been mostly quiet this spring with the transfer portal. Ohio State has made two additions while losing no scholarship players to the portal.

Ohio State’s key get this spring is adding North Carolina transfer DE Beau Atkinson, who has a chance to be a key member of the defense in 2025. The Buckeyes added depth to the offensive line with West Virginia transfer OT Justin Terry.

Ohio State still has a need for depth on the interior of the defensive line and a player who would fit that need has entered the transfer portal.

Oklahoma State DT Justin Kirkland could be fit for the Ohio State Buckeyes

Kirkland took to X to announce to Cowboys fans that he would be entering the transfer portal and not returning to Oklahoma State. Kirkland played in 26 games over the last two seasons and is a 6-foot-3, 335-pound defensive tackle.

Nothing but love for my OSU family pic.twitter.com/Ct2rwjMyTx
— Justin Kirkland (@justinkirklandd) April 28, 2025

In 2023, Kirkland made six starts in 12 games and finished with 22 tackles and three of those went for a loss. This past season, Kirkland made one start with 18 tackles and a sack. Kirkland is a run-stopper first at his size with some ability to get after the passer.

After spending his freshman season at Utah Tech, Kirkland was with the Cowboys for the last two years. Kirkland is a Utah native who was not a ranked recruit out of high school.

Ohio State will likely start Kayden McDonald and Eddrick Houston on the interior. Following Hero Kanu leaving for Texas during the winter, the depth is a bit thin for the Buckeyes. Redshirt senior Tywone Malone Jr. along with redshirt sophomores Jason Moore and Will Smith Jr. make up the current depth.

It will be interesting to see if the Buckeyes make a pitch for Kirkland, who fits what the Buckeyes need as run-stopping depth.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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