The Ohio State Buckeyes boasted arguably the nation’s top defensive front last season, with all four starting defensive linemen selected in the NFL Draft.
Their departures have created a major void along the defensive line—especially at defensive tackle—where Ohio State enters the 2025 season without a clear-cut replacement or established starter.
With Kayden McDonald and Eddrick Houston expected to anchor the defensive front in 2025, Ohio State is looking ahead, aiming to solidify its interior defensive line for 2026—and that effort is heating up on the recruiting trail.
One of the top prospects on the Buckeyes’ radar is four-star defensive tackle Deuce Geralds, who announced this week, via On3, that he has scheduled an official visit to Columbus on June 20. That trip will come after visits to LSU, Ole Miss, and Oregon.
Among those programs, Oregon poses the biggest threat, thanks to its new Big Ten ties and a growing rivalry with Ohio State. Landing Geralds would be a major win for the Buckeyes as they look to restock talent in the trenches.
According to 247Sports’ composite rankings, Geralds is the No. 9 defensive lineman and the No. 73 overall player in the 2026 class. He also ranks as the No. 8 prospect in the state of Georgia.
Last season, Ohio State relied on veterans Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton at defensive tackle. With both now gone, the Buckeyes face a noticeable talent gap heading into 2025—but securing a commitment from Geralds would be a big step toward closing it in the years ahead.
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