Ohio State missed on defensive tackle John Walker three years ago, but lands him as a transfer now

The former Top 100 recruit was at UCF for three seasons and should play a major role on the Buckeyes' defensive line in 2026.

Ohio State recruited defensice tackle John Walker out of high school and now he’s joined the Buckeyes as a transfer after three seasons at Central Florida. (Photo courtesy of UCF athletics)

COLUMBUS — In the summer of 2022, not getting a commitment from Top 100 player John Walker at defensive tackle made for a rough recruiting stretch for the Ohio State Buckeyes, who had seen safety Caleb Downs pick Alabama over Ohio State two days earlier.

Just like with Downs, the Buckeyes wound up with Walker in the end.

The 6-foot-4, 324-pounder from Central Florida committed to Ohio State out of the transfer portal on Tuesday, giving the Buckeyes an expected starter or co-starter in the middle of their defensive line. Walker was a true freshman All-American at UCF in 2023, redshirted with an injury in 2024, and started every game this season and has two years of eligibility remaining.