Ohio State made another addition in the transfer portal on Tuesday morning, adding former UCF defensive tackle John Walker to the fold.
Walker visited Columbus on Monday, and that was enough to get him to commit to the Buckeyes. He will have a good opportunity to compete for a starting spot on the interior defensive line next season with Kayden McDonald likely leaving for the NFL draft as a possible first-round pick.
Walker joins Ohio State after being recruited by the Buckeyes in the 2023 class as a top-100 player before ultimately committing to and signing with UCF as the highest-rated signee in the history of the program. He was a freshman All-American with the Knights in 2023 and redshirted in the 2024 season, so he has two years of eligibility remaining.
During the 2025 season, Walker made 39 tackles, had one sack and a forced fumble, bringing his career total to 59 tackles, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and two pass breakups.
If McDonald decides to return to Ohio State, Walker will still provide much needed depth on the interior since Tywone Malone has no eligibility left after this season.
Walker is the third transfer addition Ohio State has made to this point, with former Ohio University tight end Mason Williams and former UCF and BYU long snapper Dalton Riggs.
Photo via UCF Athletics
