The Ohio State Buckeyes were rough on defense last season despite being a recruiting juggernaut. However, it is entirely possible that newly hired defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is going to want more help on the defensive line. With the lack of pass rush that we witnessed last season, adding some decent help on the edge is not the worst idea.
The inception of the transfer portal has created a bit of a free agency period in college football. It has created a brand new world — some good, some bad — that we won’t get into right now.
Instead, here are the top five defensive ends left in the portal during the 2021 offseason of college football.
Caleb Johnson, Auburn
Auburn defensive lineman Caleb Johnson (45) lays out Mississippi State running back Kylin Hill (8) at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019. Credit: USA TODAY Sports
Caleb Johnson is one of a few Auburn players looking for greener pastures and the former three-star recruit has plenty of potential to see the field elsewhere. Johnson is a versatile athlete that can bounce back and play on the second level on either the outside or the inside.
Eric Black, Buffalo
Dec 25, 2020; Montgomery, AL, USA; Buffalo Bulls defensive end Eric Black (94) sacks Marshall Thundering Herd quarterback Grant Wells (8) on fourth down to end a chance of scoring in the final minute during the second half at Cramton Bowl Stadium. Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Eric Black is viewed as a major loss for this Buffalo program as he was fairly productive for the Bulls with four tackles for loss and three sacks last season. It does appear the Buckeyes missed their chance to grab Black as he has announced his intentions to enroll at Stony Brook.
Xavier Young, Washington State
Xavier Young didn’t really give Washington State much of a chance as he entered the…
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